- National Minorities Day: Prime Minister Calls for Unity, Equality and Collective National Progress
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to Pakistan’s minority communities for their significant contributions to the country’s creation, development and progress, stressing that all citizens, regardless of faith, must work together to build a prosperous and stable Pakistan.
Addressing a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office to commemorate National Minorities Day, the Prime Minister said the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed equal rights to every citizen, in accordance with the vision articulated by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his historic August 11 address.
Minorities’ Contributions to Nation-Building
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the valuable role played by Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and members of other minority communities in the Pakistan Movement as well as in the country’s subsequent development.
He particularly acknowledged the Christian community’s contribution to education, recalling the important role played by Christian educational institutions and schools. He noted that he and his siblings had also received their early education at Christian institutions.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to prominent personalities from minority communities, including Cecil Chaudhry, Justice A.R. Cornelius, Jogendra Nath Mandal, S.L. Gibbs and S.P. Singha, for their services to Pakistan.
He said members of minority communities had also rendered outstanding services in national defence and other fields. Their sacrifices during the country’s wars and the struggle against terrorism, he added, would always be remembered.The Prime Minister stressed the need for all Pakistanis to work collectively for the country’s development and prosperity. He said particular attention should be given to equipping the younger generation with modern knowledge, skills and education so that Pakistan could secure a prominent position in the international community.
He emphasized that the country must move forward in accordance with the objectives of Pakistan’s creation and work towards achieving its rightful place among the comity of nations. Referring to the Makkah Defence Agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, Prime Minister Shehbaz clarified that the agreement was not directed against any country.
He said the arrangement was aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity, while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, peace and economic progress.
Awards Presented to Minority Community Members
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presented awards and honours to members of minority communities in recognition of their outstanding services and contributions to Pakistan.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said the government was committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of minority communities.
He said the Constitution provided comprehensive protection to minority rights and that, in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision, ensuring the security and welfare of minorities remained a government priority.
The minister said places of worship had been provided security, while educational scholarships and financial assistance were being extended to members of minority communities. He added that 10 religious festivals were also observed at the official level.
Legal and Institutional Measures for Minorities
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 source of honour for minority communities.
He highlighted the enactment of the Sikh Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act as important steps towards strengthening legal protections for minorities, adding that work was also underway on the Christian Marriage Act.
Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu welcomed the National Commission for Minorities Act, describing it as an important initiative for safeguarding minority rights. He also emphasized the longstanding and valuable contributions of minority communities to Pakistan’s development and national life.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
