Key points
- The day marks Quaid-e-Azam’s historic speech to Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947
- Pakistan president reaffirms government’s resolve to safeguarding rights of minorities
- Government is committed to full inclusion of minorities in all institutions: PM Sharif
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have renewed their pledge to strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the country
The National Minorities Day is being observed today with the aim to highlight their religious and socio-economic rights in Pakistan.
The declaration to mark National Minorities Day was adopted as part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to help and secure those belonging to minority groups.
Equal rights
The day marks Quaid-e-Azam’s historic speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, in which he pledged equal rights and freedom of religion for all citizens, Radio Pakistan reported.
On the day, in their separate messages on National Minorities Day being observed on Monday, the president and prime minister said Pakistan considers the unforgettable services rendered by minorities in every walk of life as its national asset.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the government’s resolve to safeguarding and advancing the rights of minorities.
Acknowledge contributions
He said it is also an occasion to acknowledge the contributions of our minority communities to nation-building.
Asif Ali Zardari said minorities have served the nation with dedication in the armed forces, judiciary, civil services, education and healthcare, according to Radio Pakistan.
The country’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message said the government is committed to the full inclusion of minorities in government institutions, Parliament and the national mainstream.
Constitutional obligation
He said protection of the rights of minorities is a constitutional obligation as well as our religious duty, the Radio Pakistan reported.
The Prime Minister said all Pakistanis, including minorities, need to realize their national responsibilities by practicing unity and solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance.
