Pakistan on Monday celebrated National Minorities Day with political leaders reaffirming their commitment to protect minority rights in Pakistan. They vowed to safeguard the constitutional, social, and economic rights of non-Muslim citizens while upholding the vision of the nation’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said protecting minority rights in Pakistan is not only a constitutional obligation but also a religious duty. Referring to Jinnah’s historic speech of August 11, 1947, he called it an ideological guarantee for a safe and secure future for minority communities. The Prime Minister praised those from minority backgrounds who sacrificed their lives for the country’s defense and pledged collective efforts for national progress without any discrimination.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the day reminds the nation of Jinnah’s vision and the constitutional promise of equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, caste, or ethnicity. He said Pakistan has made significant steps for the welfare and empowerment of minorities since the day was declared in 2009. He assured that the state will continue promoting interfaith harmony and protecting minority rights in Pakistan.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that Pakistan’s foundation rests on the golden Islamic principles of justice, equality, and tolerance. He stressed that ensuring the safety of minorities, protecting their places of worship, and enabling their full participation in national life remain top priorities for the state.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani praised the role of minorities in the nation’s development and stability. He said their contributions in various fields are invaluable and assured that the Senate will always work to safeguard their rights.
Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman reminded that National Minorities Day was introduced in 2009 by President Zardari. She said protecting the rights of minorities is a shared responsibility between the state and its citizens.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described minorities as the “beauty and crown” of Pakistani society. She outlined provincial initiatives, including the Minority Card scheme providing quarterly stipends to thousands of families, the legal recognition of Sikh and Hindu marriage acts, and substantial funding for restoring religious sites. Scholarships for minority students have also been introduced. She further announced that Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter will now be celebrated officially for the first time in Punjab.
Since 2009, National Minorities Day has been observed every year on August 11. It honors the contributions of non-Muslim citizens to Pakistan’s progress and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to minority rights in Pakistan and equality for all.
