- Emphasizes significance of Quaid’s August 11 speech, which advocates equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religion
- Reassures minorities of government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and improving their quality of life
LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of minorities as enshrined in the 1973 Constitution.
Addressing a gathering at the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Secretariat here on Sunday on Minorities Day, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of August 11, as this date commemorates Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech advocating equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed minority representatives and military officers, highlighting the diverse makeup of the nation. He reiterated that Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned a Pakistan where everyone, including Muslims and minorities, would enjoy complete freedom to practice their faiths, a vision that continues to guide the country today.
He condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, denouncing the atrocities committed by the Israeli government under Prime Minister Netanyahu. He criticized the global community’s muted response to these acts, calling it a grave failure of international organizations tasked with maintaining global peace.
Reflecting on the contributions of Pakistan’s minority communities, the Prime Minister acknowledged their significant role in the country’s progress and prosperity. He highlighted the contributions of Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Parsi communities to various sectors, including education, defence, trade, and justice. The Prime Minister paid special tribute to minority figures who have served the nation in times of war and peace, citing examples such as Cecil Chaudhry and Justice Cornelius.
The Prime Minister also recognized the historical challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts by both federal and provincial governments to ensure their security and protection. He reassured the minority communities that the government is committed to addressing their concerns and improving their quality of life.
He reiterated the PML-N’s longstanding support for minority rights, stating that the party, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, has always advocated for the inclusion and protection of minorities. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s dedication to upholding the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and ensuring that minorities continue to play an integral role in the nation’s future.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Ch Salik Hussain also spoke.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique and other federal and provincial ministers, parliamentarians, representatives of minorities, senior civil and forces officers and a number of citizens attended the ceremony.
Tarar vows to protect minorities rights at every forum
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarar Sunday vowed to raise his voice at every forum to protect the rights of minorities.
Addressing a ceremony regarding Minority Day held here at Model Town, he added, “We are proud of the minorities of Pakistan, the white color in the Pakistani flag represents the minorities, and the minority communities in Pakistan have always played a positive role in the development, prosperity and establishment of peace in the country.”
The Federal Information Minister assured that the government would raise its voice at all forums to protect the rights of minorities, asserting that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has clearly instructed the parliamentarians to play an active role in the protection of minority rights in and outside the parliament, as the government is the guarantor of the protection of rights of every citizen of Pakistan. He mentioned that he is an MNA of Lahore’s constituency where he represents 70,000 Christian voters. “I have received more love from this community than anyone else, and I am always in need of their support and guidance,” he added.
