Pakistan observes National Minorities day today

ISLAMABAD: On the eve of Minorities’ Day, President Asif Ali Zardari underscored Pakistan’s dedication to protecting minorities, highlighting both their religious freedoms and their social and economic well-being.

Minorities’ Day, observed globally on August 11, is a time to recognize the contributions of minorities to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.

“Pakistan commemorates Minorities’ Day annually to honor the role minorities play in our nation’s development,” President Zardari stated.

He reminded the nation of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s promise made on August 11, 1947, to safeguard the rights and religious freedoms of minorities. “Our constitution guarantees all political, economic, and social rights for minorities,” he emphasized.

Moreover, President Zardari noted that Islam also fully supports the protection of minority rights. He highlighted several initiatives Pakistan took, including a 5% quota for minorities in government jobs, reserved seats in parliament, and financial assistance programs.

These efforts aim to support the political, social, and economic empowerment of minorities.

He also mentioned financial aid for the underprivileged, marriage grants, educational scholarships, and funding for maintaining worship places.

additionally, The President reaffirmed that every Pakistani can practice their faith freely, regardless of religion, caste, or creed. He called on all sectors of society—religious leaders, minority representatives, and the media—to promote awareness of these rights and foster interfaith harmony, love, tolerance, and unity to strengthen Pakistan.

President Zardari assured that Pakistan would continue to protect minority rights and ensure equal opportunities for all. He expressed confidence that minorities will persist in contributing positively to the country’s development and wished them well on this special day.

Moreover, on the occasion of the National Day of Minorities, the Pakistan Army has paid tribute to the contributions of the country’s minority communities.

The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), along with the Service Chiefs, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the minority communities across Pakistan.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted the vital role that minorities have played in the nation’s development and prosperity, noting that their contributions cannot be forgotten.

In a statement, the ISPR emphasized the importance of diversity, inclusiveness, and co-existence, describing these values as the hallmarks of Pakistan’s great nation. “Minority communities are an indispensable and important part of our society,” the statement read.

The organizers of the Minority Rights March have once again received permission to hold their demonstration at Frere Hall in Karachi on Sunday, despite the city government initially revoking its approval.

Earlier, The Minority Rights March, which took place for the first time at Frere Hall on August 11 last year, saw a large turnout of people from various backgrounds coming together to address issues faced by minorities.

On Thursday, the organizers held a press conference at the Karachi Press Club to announce their plans to return to the same venue on Sunday. However, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had previously canceled its approval due to “unavoidable security threats” in the city.

Advocate Luke Victor informed that permission was reinstated following a meeting with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Friday. The event is now scheduled to start at 3 pm at Frere Hall.