11th August is celebrated as Minorities’ Day in Pakistan to acknowledge the invaluable contribution made by our minorities to the development of Pakistan and to reaffirm our commitment as a nation to safeguard their rights. This day reminds us of the promise made by our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in 1947, that each and every member of this great nation irrespective of his/her religious belief would enjoy equal rights and liberties. It is heartening to see that the minorities in Pakistan are playing an active role in all walks of life and their right to practice their religion is well protected in Pakistan. Their rights have been enshrined in our Constitution. Islam also emphasizes the protection of minorities’ rights. The government of Pakistan is making consistent efforts for the facilitation of the minorities in Pakistan. They have their representation in the federal and provincial assemblies. Besides, they have also been allocated a job quota in all government services. Accordingly, it sets a direction for the government to formulate and align its policies towards the realization of the objective of all-inclusive socio-economic development and a level playing field for all communities of the nation. Let me here appreciate the role being played by our minorities, especially in the fields of education, health and social welfare. Pakistan stands committed to its responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution by way of fundamental rights and principles of policy. Indeed, the minorities in Pakistan are an integral part of our socio-national fabric and on this day, I assure all minority communities that the government would make all efforts to safeguard their rights and work for their well-being. It is our shared responsibility to promote the spirit of love, brotherhood and unity amongst ourselves for a strong and prosperous Pakistan. May Allah be with us, Ameen!
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