ISLAMABAD: On National Minorities Day, observed on August 11, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights of minority communities, ensuring equal opportunities, and promoting interfaith harmony.
In their separate messages, they referred to the speeches of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad ALi Jinnah and the Constitution, regarding the importance and rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
President Zardari
In a statement, issued from the President House's media wing on Tuesday, President Asif Ali Zardari said, "The founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on various occasions, stressed upon religious freedom and protection of the minorities."
"The Constitution of Pakistan also guarantees fundamental rights, religious freedom and equal protection under the law. Upholding these constitutional principles is not only the responsibility of the state but also an essential prerequisite for building a strong and just society."
He fruether said that Pakistan's minority communities have earned distinction in various spheres of national life, including education, healthcare, law, business, arts, sports, research, social services and defence of the country.
"Their achievements demonstrate that every Pakistani has an equally significant role in the nation's development."
He call upon all religious leaders, educational institutions, media, civil society and state institutions to play their part in fostering a social environment where every citizen's faith, identity and human dignity are respected.
PM Sharif
In a separate message, issued from the Prime MInister's Office in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shaehaz Sharif said that minority communities are an integral part of Pakistan's national fabric, reflecting the country's diverse social and cultural landscape.
The prime minister recalled the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's historic address to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, in which he unequivocally affirmed the rights and religious freedom of all citizens.
He said, “Quaid-e-Azam's historic words continue to hold an enduring place in Pakistan's social order, system of governance, and religious ethos.”
“National Minorities Day serves as a reaffirmation of Pakistan's commitment to unity, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and equal opportunities for all segments of society,” the PM said.
Sharif highlighted the contributions of minority communities to Pakistan's economic, educational, social, cultural, and political development from the Pakistan Movement and the creation of Pakistan to the present day.
He further said, “The Constitution guarantees the protection of the rights and interests of minority communities, while the country's legal framework provides safeguards for places of worship, prohibits discriminatory practices, and seeks to prevent hate speech.”
He described the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 2025, as a significant national milestone.
Prime Minister Sharif also highlighted the Interfaith Harmony Policy 2025, stating that it aims to protect religious freedom, promote interfaith dialogue, and ensure equal opportunities without discrimination.
He said that the government was also implementing the National Policy for Countering Violent Extremism 2024, while the National Action Plan for Human Rights 2026 included specific measures to protect and promote minority rights.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the federal government, in collaboration with provincial governments, relevant institutions, and civil society, would continue making every possible effort to protect the rights of every citizen, particularly members of minority communities.
He expressed the government's resolve to ensure equal opportunities and advance the country toward a peaceful, tolerant, and united society where all citizens can live with dignity, mutual respect, and security.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
