ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that Islamic teachings teach us to protect the rights of minorities and equality among all people.
The president in his message on the occasion of National Minorities Day every year on August 11 said, “On the occasion of this happy day today I am in the process of nation-building. Want to highlight the important role of minorities, we acknowledge and appreciate the role of minorities in the development of the country.”
The president said that he is happy that minorities in Pakistan have all the political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan, which guarantees political, economic, and social rights to all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs or race.
Dr. Arif Alvi said that as Muslims we are inspired by the teachings of Islam which teach us to protect the rights of minorities and equality among all people to promote the spirit of harmony and unity in a diverse society.
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The President said that Pakistan has made continuous efforts for the welfare of minorities, including 5% quota in government jobs and allocating separate seats for them in both houses of Parliament, with the aim of political and economic development of the country. Â
He further said that steps are being taken to provide grants, financial assistance, and scholarships to students and persons belonging to minority communities to help them in their educational activities and to protect their places of worship. And it is proof of our commitment to the development of a representative society.
He said that I reiterate my unwavering commitment to protecting the religious, social, political, and economic rights of our minorities. “We assure all minority groups that Pakistan would work for the protection of their rights and their welfare,” he said.
He said, “I hope that through our collective efforts we will make a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan where every individual will have the opportunity to progress and use their unique talents for the development of the country.”
Dr. Arif Alvi said that while celebrating this day today, I am confident that our minorities will continue to play an important role in the process of national development.
He said that on this occasion I wish all the minority groups of Pakistan, I am sure that they will continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of our beloved country.
The President appealed to religious scholars and the media to educate society about the rights of minorities and promote a culture of love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity in the country.
