Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, in a statement on National Minorities Day, said that the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) would be activated soon, further strengthening the institutional framework for the protection and promotion of the rights and interests of minority communities in Pakistan.
The Federal Minister said that significant progress had been made under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif regarding the protection of minority rights, adding that the National Commission for Minorities would be formally notified shortly.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that National Minorities Day provided an opportunity to reaffirm Pakistan's commitment to ensuring equal rights, dignity, justice and equal citizenship for all citizens, irrespective of faith.
He said that the teachings of Islam, the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the constitutional guarantees provided a strong foundation for protecting the rights of all communities and promoting interfaith harmony.
The Federal Minister said that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed fundamental rights to all citizens and that protection of the rights of all communities was a responsibility of the state. He said promotion of religious freedom, tolerance and interfaith harmony was essential for building a peaceful and cohesive society.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the National Commission for Minorities would further strengthen the institutional framework for the protection and promotion of the rights and interests of minority communities and play an effective role in this regard.
The Federal Minister paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of Pakistan's minority communities to the country's social, economic, cultural and national development, saying that minority citizens had played an important and valuable role in the country's progress and development.
He said that minority communities were an integral part of Pakistan's national unity and their contributions were a matter of pride for the country.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar said that protection of the constitutional rights of minorities remained a priority of the government and that it was essential to ensure equal rights, dignity and opportunities for all citizens.
He said that all citizens were equal before the law and that minority communities should be provided equal opportunities to participate in the national mainstream.
The Federal Minister expressed the resolve to continue collective efforts towards building a more inclusive, peaceful, harmonious and cohesive Pakistan, where every citizen enjoys equal rights, dignity and opportunities.
He said that National Minorities Day was an opportunity to renew the commitment to equality, dignity, justice, tolerance and interfaith harmony.
