President Asif Ali Zardari Reaffirms Constitutional Rights and Protection for Minorities
In a message delivered on National Minorities’ Day, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that minorities in Pakistan are fully entitled to all political, economic, and social rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Speaking on Sunday, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding the promises made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, regarding the protection of minority rights and religious freedoms. He highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure the political, social, and economic empowerment of minority communities. President Zardari urged all segments of society to engage in educating the public about their rights and to work towards fostering interfaith harmony, love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity to strengthen the nation. He expressed confidence that Pakistan’s minority communities would continue to play a constructive role in the country’s development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Pays Tribute to Minority Communities for Their Role in National Development
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, paying tribute to the outstanding contributions of minorities to Pakistan’s development and prosperity. In his message, he highlighted the significance of National Minorities’ Day as a time to express solidarity with minority communities and acknowledge their services to the state. He noted that the minority communities played a pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement and have been key contributors to nation-building since the country’s inception. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech on August 11, 1947, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring complete religious freedom for minorities and their overall development and prosperity.
Armed Forces of Pakistan Honor the Contributions and Sacrifices of Minority Communities
The Armed Forces of Pakistan, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Services Chiefs, have recognized the indispensable contributions of minority communities to the nation’s progress, prosperity, and cultural heritage. In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), they extended warm felicitations to minority communities on their dedicated day, emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and harmonious coexistence as the cornerstones of the nation. The ISPR underscored that minority communities are an integral and vital part of Pakistan’s social fabric, with their rights and freedoms being sacrosanct as enshrined in the Constitution and Islam. Reflecting on Pakistan’s history, the statement highlighted the significant role minorities have played in shaping the country’s cultural identity and strengthening its social foundations. The Armed Forces honored the unwavering commitment, dedication, and sacrifices of minority communities, recognizing their loyalty to the nation and their invaluable contributions to fostering a cohesive and pluralistic society. The ISPR reaffirmed their commitment to protecting and promoting the rights, freedoms, and welfare of minority communities.