ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has said that the present democratic government was committed to ensure equal rights for all minority communities as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and UN Declaration of Human Rights.
“It is our moral, religious and social obligation to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and promote the culture of tolerance in our country. Minorities are partners in the development of Pakistan,” the premier said in his message on the ‘Minorities Day’ being observed on today (August 11).
He said the observance of ‘Minorities Day’ was an occasion to recognise the role of minorities in nation building and renew our commitment to protect their rights and promote national harmony amongst the followers of diverse faiths.
The prime minister said that it is the time to remember the great sacrifices rendered by minorities living in Pakistan and to be sensitised to the problems and issues they face.
“Minorities Day reminds all of us to reaffirm our solidarity for the betterment of humanity and a prosperous Pakistan,” he added.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said August 11 had a special significance in our national calendar as it was on this day in 1947 when the father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his historic speech to the members of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, had laid down the foundations of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan.
“The present democratic government is driven by the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam for protecting the rights of minorities. The recognition and respect for the rights of minorities is part of our manifesto,” he said.
The premier said the objective of celebrating this day was to acknowledge the valuable contributions, highlight their rights and promote inter-faith harmony.
