In observance of National Minorities Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif Pledge Support for Religious Minorities in Pakistan. Both leaders emphasized their support and solidarity with minority communities, vowing to ensure their constitutional rights are upheld.
National Minorities Day, declared by the government in 2009, is celebrated on August 11 to coincide with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech in 1947, where he promised to safeguard the rights and religious freedoms of minorities in the country.
According to Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari highlighted that religious minorities enjoy full political, economic, and social rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. He also underscored the government’s efforts to empower minority communities and urged society to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, and unity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the contributions of minority communities to Pakistan’s nation-building efforts, acknowledging their pivotal role in the Pakistan Movement and ongoing dedication to the country’s progress.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan also extended warm greetings to minority communities, recognizing their indispensable contributions to the nation’s prosperity and cultural heritage. In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Armed Forces reiterated their commitment to protecting the rights and freedoms of minority communities, highlighting their integral role in fostering a cohesive and pluralistic society.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also called for an inclusive environment where every individual’s opinion is valued, regardless of their religion. He reminded the nation that it was his father, Asif Ali Zardari, who designated August 11 as National Minorities Day.
