ISLAMABAD, Aug 12 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to protecting the rights of minorities and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution. Speaking at a ceremony celebrating Minorities’ Day at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the President emphasized his constitutional duty to safeguard minority rights and facilitate their advancement in all areas of life.
The President highlighted the importance of Minorities’ Day as a recognition of the significant contributions made by various communities in Pakistan. He called for increased job opportunities for minorities within government sectors, stressing the need for merit-based recruitment and an expansion of the current job quota for minorities.
Acknowledging the vital role of minorities in the nation’s development, President Zardari reiterated that they are equal citizens and integral to the country’s future. He invoked the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, urging the nation to embrace unity, brotherhood, and religious tolerance.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, was attended by parliamentarians, religious leaders, diplomats, and representatives from various minority communities. In his address, President Zardari contrasted the situation in Pakistan with that of India, asserting that minorities in Pakistan are treated with respect and dignity, in line with Islamic teachings and the nation’s cultural values.
He also reflected on his father’s involvement in the Pakistan Movement and drew parallels between the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the suffering of minorities worldwide. The President recited a verse from the renowned Sindhi poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, to underscore his message of compassion and inclusivity.
Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain, along with representatives from various religious communities, also spoke at the event, commending the government’s efforts to uphold minority rights. They praised the observance of Minorities’ Day and the recent amendments to the Christian Marriage Act of 1872 as significant steps toward ensuring religious freedom and equality in Pakistan.
