By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday paid tribute to the contributions of minority communities to Pakistan’s creation, development and defence, saying all citizens should work together to build and strengthen the country without discrimination on the basis of religion.
The prime minister was addressing a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad to mark National Minorities’ Day. Federal ministers, members of parliament and prominent representatives of minority communities attended the event.
Shehbaz said minority communities had stood alongside Muslims and Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah during the Pakistan Movement and had continued to play a constructive role in the country’s development. He said August 11 was observed as National Minorities’ Day to recognise their contributions.
Referring to Jinnah’s August 11 address, the prime minister said the Constitution guaranteed equal rights to all citizens of Pakistan regardless of their religion. He said the country had to move forward collectively while keeping the objectives of its creation in view.
Shehbaz said Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and members of other minority communities had rendered valuable services in various fields. He particularly acknowledged the contribution of the Christian community to education and recalled that he and his siblings had received their early education at Christian schools.
He also recalled the services of prominent members of minority communities, including Cecil Chaudhry, Justice A.R. Cornelius, Jogendra Nath Mandal, S.L. Gurdon and S.P. Singha.
The prime minister said minority communities had also made significant sacrifices in the country’s wars and national defence. Their contributions to the fight against terrorism, including the sacrifices of those who had lost their lives, could not be forgotten, he said.
Shehbaz called for collective efforts to promote Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. He said the country needed to equip its youth with modern knowledge and skills so that Pakistan could secure a stronger position in the international community.
He said Pakistan had to move forward in accordance with the objectives behind its creation and work towards securing its rightful place among the comity of nations.
The prime minister also said the Mecca Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye was not directed against any country but was intended to promote peace, development and prosperity. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and development in the region.
During the ceremony, Shehbaz conferred awards and commendations on members of minority communities in recognition of their outstanding services to the country.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said minority communities were fully protected and that the government was taking measures for their welfare and well-being.
He said the Constitution provided guarantees for minority rights and that, in line with the vision of Quaid-i-Azam, protecting those rights remained a priority for the government.
Yousaf said foolproof security had been provided at places of worship belonging to minority communities. Educational scholarships and financial assistance were also being provided, while arrangements had been made for the official observance of 10 religious festivals, he said.
Minister of State for Interfaith Harmony Khayal Das Kohistani said National Minorities’ Day was being observed across the country and described the prime minister’s participation in the ceremony as a matter of pride for minority communities.
He said Pakistan belonged to all its citizens and described the Sikh Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act as important advances in protecting minority rights. Work was also under way on a Christian Marriage Act, he said.
Kohistani said minority communities in Pakistan enjoyed religious freedom and protection. He also praised the armed forces for their role in defending the country and said Pakistan had continued to promote religious harmony internationally.
