The National Minorities Day is being observed today with the aim to highlight their religious and socio-economic rights.
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 religious, linguistic, national or ethnic minority groups.
The purpose of observing the Day is to highlight the message of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had pronounced equal rights to all citizens of Pakistan.
President Dr. Arif Alvi has acknowledged the role played by minorities in the development of country.
In a message on the occasion of Minorities’ Day today, he said the minorities in the country enjoy all political, economic and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.
The President recalled the Constitution guarantees the political, economic and social rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs or ethnicity.
Quoting the teachings of Islam, he said our religion emphatically advocate for the protection of minority rights and equality among all people, fostering a spirit of harmony and unity within our diverse society.
The President said Pakistan has consistently made efforts for the welfare and upkeep of minorities, including the reservation of 5 percent quota in government jobs, and separate seats of minorities in both houses of Parliament to encourage their active participation in the political and economic development of country.
The President called upon religious scholars and the media to educate the society about the rights of minorities and promote a culture of love, tolerance, brotherhood and unity in the country.
Reposing complete confidence on minorities to continue to play their pivotal role in the national development process, the President said through our collective efforts, we can forge a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan, where every individual can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the nation’s development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured to provide consistent and unwavering support for the protection of rights of minorities.
In a message on the occasion of National Day of Minorities, he said our Constitution guarantees the provision of social, political, religious and economic rights to all citizens without any discrimination of caste, creed and color.
The Prime Minister termed minority communities as the part and parcel of the Pakistani nationalism as they contributed meaningfully to building the country from defense to education to health to social service.
Drawing attention to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech at the floor of the legislative Assembly, he said the very idea of Pakistan is incomplete without non-Muslim citizens as the white colour of our flag symbolizes their place in the body politic of Pakistan.
Mentioning the services of country’s first law minister Jogendranath Mandal, Dr. Maira Phailbus, Dr Ruth Pfau and Justice Dorab Patel, the Prime Minister said the list of Pakistani non-Muslim personalities of eminence is long whose contributions to public service continue to be celebrated.
Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that minorities have a very important role in the development, prosperity, peace and unity of Pakistan.
In his message on the occasion of National Minority Rights Day today, he said our religion and constitution teach us to treat everyone respectfully.
The CM said the father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam has also advised the protection of the rights of minorities.
He said the Punjab Government is striving to eliminate discrimination and promote social harmony.
