Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens, without discrimination on the basis of religion, race or creed.

This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in his message on the Occasion of National Minorities Day.

Ishaq Dar said 'On the occasion of National Minorities Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the vision of our Founding Father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, for a Pakistan in which the rights, dignity and freedoms of all citizens are fully protected.

The protection of minorities is firmly rooted in the teachings of Islam, which enjoin us to uphold justice, dignity, equality and respect for all communities. The Constitution of Pakistan likewise guarantees the political, economic and social rights of minorities and provides for their equal citizenship'.

Ishaq Dar said that as a State Party to core international human rights treaties, Pakistan remains committed to safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its citizens, without discrimination on the basis of religion, race or creed.

He said that Pakistan deeply values the invaluable contributions of its minority communities to our national life and to the country's social, economic, cultural and political development. Their contributions have enriched our shared heritage and strengthened the fabric of our society.

Ishaq Dar said 'On this occasion, I reiterate the Government of Pakistan's unwavering resolve to ensure that every citizen enjoys equal rights, equal opportunities and equal protection under the law. We will continue to work towards a Pakistan where every citizen can live with dignity, security and a sense of belonging, and contribute fully to the progress and prosperity of our country'.