Islamabad: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and briefed him on the Ministry's initiatives to safeguard minority rights, promote religious tolerance, and strengthen interfaith harmony.

During the meeting, the President emphasized the need to further enhance efforts for the promotion and protection of minority rights, describing minorities as an integral part of Pakistan's social and national fabric. He stressed that concrete measures should be taken to recover minority worship places under unlawful occupation and return them to their rightful custodians.The President also commended the Ministry for its role in protecting minority rights and for organizing the National Minorities Day celebrations in a befitting manner.

The Minister informed the President that in FY 2024-25, under the Minorities Welfare Fund, Rs. 60 million in scholarships were awarded to 2,236 students from minority communities, financial assistance was provided to 1,231 needy individuals, and Rs. 45 million was allocated for the repair and furnishing of 32 minority worship places. The Ministry also approved a national policy on interfaith harmony, celebrated major minority festivals at the official level, and organized interfaith conferences in various cities.

He further highlighted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board continues to maintain sacred sites of Sikh and Hindu communities, providing free facilities to pilgrims for events such as Baisakhi, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and ceremonies at Katas Raj and Sadhu Bela. Other measures include consultations with religious scholars to curb hate speech, awareness campaigns, and coordination with provincial and federal bodies.

The Minister thanked the President for his support and keen interest in resolving the issues of minorities and promoting their rights.