ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said the country’s minority communities had played a significant and commendable role in the creation, development and progress of the country in its journey from creation to national development, and underlined that all citizens, regardless of religion, must work together for the country’s growth and prosperity.
Addressing a ceremony held here at the Prime Minister’s Office to mark National Minorities Day, the Prime Minister said, in line with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s August 11 address, the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed equal rights to all Pakistanis.
He said Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and members of other minority communities had played a constructive role in the Pakistan Movement and in the country’s development.
The Prime Minister particularly appreciated the contributions of the Christian community in education, recalling the educational services of Christian schools and his own and his siblings’ early education at Christian educational institutions.
He also mentioned prominent national figures from minority communities, including Cecil Chaudhry, Justice A.R. Cornelius, Jogendra Nath Mandal, S.L. Gibbs and S.P. Singha, and said minorities had rendered valuable services in national defence and other fields.
He said the sacrifices of minority citizens in the country’s wars and the fight against terrorism were unforgettable.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said all Pakistanis needed to work together for the country’s development and prosperity, while the younger generation should be equipped with modern knowledge to enable Pakistan to attain a prominent position in the world.
He said the country should move forward while keeping in view the objectives of Pakistan and strive to secure its rightful place among the comity of nations.
Referring to the Makkah Defence Agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, the Prime Minister said the agreement was not directed against any country but was aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity. He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and development in the region.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister, Shehbaz presented awards and honours to members of minority communities in recognition of their services to the country.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said minorities enjoyed protection in Pakistan and that the government was taking measures for their welfare.
He said the Constitution fully guaranteed minority rights and that, in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, protection of minority rights was a priority of the government. He said places of worship had been provided security, educational scholarships and financial assistance were being extended to minorities, while 10 religious festivals were observed at the official level.
Minister of State for Religious and Interfaith Harmony, Khel Das Kohistani said National Minorities Day was being observed across the country and described the Prime Minister’s participation in the ceremony as a matter of honour for minority communities.
He said the Sikh Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act were important developments for minorities, while work was also underway on the Christian Marriage Act. He said minorities in Pakistan enjoyed religious freedom and protection.
Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu said the National Commission for Minorities Act was a welcome step towards protecting the rights of minorities and noted that minority communities had consistently contributed to Pakistan’s development.