President, PM hail services of minority communities

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari says minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic and social rights which have been guaranteed by the Constitution.

In his message on National Minorities' Day, he said on this day, we reaffirm our commitment to the promise made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on 11th August 1947, to the country's minorities to protect their rights and religious freedoms.

The President said the government has taken a number of steps for the political, social and economic empowerment of minorities.

He urged all segments of society to educate the people about their rights and work for promoting interfaith harmony, the spirit of love, tolerance, brotherhood and unity to make Pakistan a strong country.  

Asif Ali Zardari expressed confidence that the minorities of Pakistan would continue to play their positive role towards the country's development.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to minorities for their outstanding role in the country's development and prosperity.

In his message on the National Minorities Day being observed today, he said that the purpose of celebrating the day is to express solidarity with the minorities living in Pakistan and to acknowledge their services for the state of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said that our minority community played a key role in the Pakistan Movement and since the creation of Pakistan, has been contributing immensely to the nation building.

Alluding to the historic speech of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, Shehbaz Sharif said that complete religious freedom has been given to minorities.

He expressed commitment to protect the rights of minorities and their overall development and prosperity.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Services Chiefs have acknowledged indispensable contributions of minorities to the nation's progress, prosperity, and rich cultural heritage.

According to the ISPR, extending warm felicitations to the minority communities of country on their dedicated day, they said this occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the diversity, inclusivity and harmonious coexistence that are the hallmarks of our great nation.

The ISPR said minority communities are an integral and vital part of social fabric of country. They said their rights and freedoms are sacrosanct as enshrined in the Constitution and Islam.

Throughout Pakistan's history, minorities have played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural identity, contributing to its development, and strengthening its social foundations.

From the Quaid's visionary ideals to the present day, minorities have been an integral part of the nation-building process, and their sacrifices and contributions are deeply valued.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan honour the unwavering commitment, dedication, and sacrifices of the minority communities, recognizing their unshakeable loyalty to the nation and their invaluable role in fostering a cohesive and pluralistic society.

The ISPR said we celebrate their spirit and reiterate our commitment to protecting and promoting their rights, freedoms, and welfare.