Islamabad: In commemoration of National Minorities Day, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their unwavering support and solidarity with Pakistan’s religious minorities on Sunday. Both leaders vowed to protect the rights and ensure the well-being of minorities in the country.
National Minorities Day was officially declared by the government in 2009, with August 11 chosen to coincide with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech on the same date in 1947. In this speech, Jinnah pledged to safeguard the rights and religious freedoms of minorities—a promise that President Zardari reiterated.
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According to state-run Radio Pakistan, President Zardari emphasized that religious minorities enjoy all political, economic, and social rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. He highlighted the government’s numerous initiatives aimed at the political, social, and economic empowerment of minorities. The President also called on all segments of society to educate people about their rights and to promote interfaith harmony, love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity to strengthen Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his best wishes to minority communities across the country, recognizing their significant contributions in various fields. He acknowledged the key role that minorities played in the Pakistan Movement and their ongoing efforts in nation-building since the country’s inception.
Messages of appreciation also poured in from the armed forces. In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Armed Forces of Pakistan, along with the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Services Chiefs, extended warm greetings to minority communities on their special day. The statement acknowledged the indispensable contributions of minorities to the nation’s progress, prosperity, and rich cultural heritage. It also emphasized that diversity, inclusivity, and harmonious coexistence are the hallmarks of Pakistan, with minority rights and freedoms enshrined in both the Constitution and Islamic teachings.
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The armed forces honored the commitment, dedication, and sacrifices of minority communities, recognizing their loyalty and invaluable role in fostering a cohesive and pluralistic society. The statement reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting and promoting the rights, freedoms, and welfare of minorities.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also called for the creation of an environment where everyone thrives, regardless of their religion. In a statement on the social media platform X, he reiterated that it was his father, Asif Ali Zardari, who designated August 11 as National Minorities Day.
