ISLAMABAD: On the eve of Minorities’ Day, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to protecting minorities, emphasizing both their religious rights and their social and economic well-being.
Minorities’ Day is observed globally on August 11. “Every year, Pakistan celebrates Minorities’ Day to recognize the contributions of our minorities to the country’s socio-economic development,” he stated.
“On this day, we reaffirm our dedication to the promise made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, to protect the rights and religious freedoms of the country’s minorities.”
The President noted, “Minorities in Pakistan enjoy the political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.”
“Our religion, Islam, fully acknowledges and advocates for the protection of minority rights. I am pleased to say that Pakistan has taken numerous steps toward the political, social, and economic empowerment of minorities.”
He continued, “We have allocated a 5% quota for minorities in government jobs and provided separate seats in both houses of parliament to encourage their active participation in the political and national development of the country.”
“Moreover, initiatives are underway to offer financial assistance to the underprivileged, marriage grants, and scholarships for students from minority communities, as well as funds for the repair and maintenance of their places of worship.”
The President affirmed that every Pakistani has the right to practice their faith freely, regardless of religion, caste, color, or creed.
He called on all segments of society—including religious scholars, minority representatives, and the media—to educate the public about their rights and to promote interfaith harmony, love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity, thereby strengthening Pakistan.
He assured minorities that Pakistan would make every effort to protect their rights and provide equal opportunities for their advancement.
“I am confident that the minorities of Pakistan will continue to contribute positively to the country’s development. I congratulate them on this special day and wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” he concluded.
