Monday, 12 August, 2024 | 6 Safar, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 43 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
CIVIL, MILITARY LEADERSHIP VOWS TO PROTECT MINORITIES’ RIGHTS ON NATIONAL MINORITIES DAY g
EMPHASISES IMPORTANCE OF UNITY, TOLERANCE, AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FOR ALL CITIZENS ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari and military top brass reiterated their dedication to protecting the rights of minority communities and acknowledged their vital contributions to the nation’s development. As the country celebrates its diversity, top civilian and military leadership emphasised the importance of unity, tolerance, and religious freedom for all citizens. PM Shehbaz Sharif pays tribute to minority contributions Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended the excellent role of minorities in Pakistan's national progress and prosperity. In his message on National Minorities' Day, the Prime Minister expressed the government's resolve to protect the rights of minority communities and ensure their welfare. He emphasised that the government is taking practical steps to promote the well-being of minorities, including the allocation of special seats and employment opportunities on merit, reflecting the provision of equal opportunities for all citizens. The Prime Minister highlighted that the observance of National Minorities' Day at the official level serves to express solidarity with minorities and to acknowledge their invaluable contributions to the State of Pakistan. He recalled the significant role played by minority communities in the Pakistan Movement and their continued contributions since the country’s inception. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's historic speech on 11 August 1947, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring complete
religious freedom for minorities. He noted that under Quaid’s vision, August 11 is observed as a day to recognise the contributions and identity of minority communities in Pakistan. The premier underscored that the Constitution guarantees complete and equal rights to minorities, and the government is committed to upholding these rights. “The Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians, Parsis, and other religious communities living in Pakistan are independent citizens of the country, enjoying equal rights and freedom to lead their lives ac-
cording to their faiths,” he stated. Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that under Islamic teachings, the rights of minorities are strongly protected, with a focus on tolerance, mutual respect, and the protection of human rights without discrimination. He noted that the government has taken solid steps to ensure the protection of minorities’ rights, their lives, and their properties, as well as the maintenance and enhancement of their sacred religious sites.
LAHORE
to guide the country today. He condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, denouncing the atrocities committed by the Israeli government under Prime Minister Netanyahu. He criticized the global community’s muted response to these acts, calling it a grave failure of international organizations tasked with maintaining global peace. Reflecting on the contributions of Pakistan’s minority communities, the Prime Minister acknowledged their significant role in the country’s progress and prosperity. He highlighted the contributions of Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and Parsi communities to various sectors, including education, defence, trade, and justice. The Prime Minister paid special tribute to minority figures who have served the nation in times of war and peace, citing examples such as Cecil Chaudhry and Justice Cornelius.
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PM commends role of minorities in national progress STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of minorities as enshrined in the 1973 Constitution. Addressing a gathering at the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Secretariat here on Sunday on Minorities Day, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of August 11, as this date commemorates Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech advocating equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed minority representatives and military officers, highlighting the diverse makeup of the nation. He reiterated that Quaid-e-Azam had envisioned a Pakistan where everyone, including Muslims and minorities, would enjoy complete freedom to practice their faiths, a vision that continues
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