Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated the government's resolve to protect the rights of every citizen, particularly those belonging to minority communities.
In their separate messages on National Minorities Day observed on Tuesday, they called upon all religious leaders, educational institutions, media, and civil society to play their part in fostering a social environment where every citizen's faith, identity and human dignity are respected.
President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan's religious minorities have made significant contributions in times of conflict and war, as well as in the fields of health, education and other areas of national life, and continue to do so alongside their fellow citizens.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message said that Pakistan commemorates National Minorities Day every year with a firm resolve to acknowledge the invaluable presence of minorities, their inclusion in the national mainstream, and their significant contributions to the national progress and prosperity.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the minorities living in Pakistan are an integral part of our national fabric and reflect the true beauty of our diverse social and cultural landscape.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that on 11 August 1947, while addressing the historic inaugural session of the Constituent Assembly, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah unequivocally affirmed the rights of minorities in Pakistan: 'You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in the State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed-that has nothing to do with the business of the State. '
He said that these historic words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah hold an enduring and unforgettable place in Pakistan's social order, system of governance and religious ethos.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that this day also serves as a reaffirmation of Pakistan's unwavering commitment to unity among different segments and communities of society, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and equal opportunities for progress for all. Pakistan is a diverse society where people belonging to different faiths, cultures, nationalities and traditions live together in harmony.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that from the Pakistan Movement and the creation of Pakistan to the present day, minority communities have played a pivotal role in the country's progress and national development. They have rendered invaluable services in the economic, educational, social, cultural and political spheres.
He said that the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the rights and interests of minority communities. These constitutional safeguards are further reinforced by an effective legal framework. The country's laws contain effective provisions for the protection of places of worship of minorities, prohibition of discriminatory practices, and prevention of hate speech.
He said that the enactment of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 2025 to safeguard the rights of minorities is undoubtedly a significant national milestone. Under the aboce stated Act, the Ministry of Human Rights is taking the necessary steps for the establishment of an independent commission. The Commission will play its role in redressing grievances, overseeing constitutional and legal safeguards, making recommendations regarding government policies and legislation, monitoring matters relating to places of worship and employment quotas, and promoting equality and inclusion.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said that to promote interfaith harmony and social cohesion, the Interfaith Harmony Policy 2025 has been introduced, aimed at protecting religious freedom, promoting interfaith dialogue, and ensuring equal opportunities without discrimination. The Government is also implementing the National Policy for Countering Violent Extremism 2024.
He said that the Ministry of Human Rights, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, has also introduced the National Action Plan for Human Rights 2026, which includes specific measures for the protection and promotion of the rights of minority communities.
He said that the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the provincial governments, relevant institutions and civil society, reaffirms its collective resolve to continue making every possible effort to protect the rights of every citizen, particularly those belonging to minority communities, ensure equal opportunities, and advance towards the goal of a peaceful, tolerant and united society.
In his message Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar said National Commission for Minorities would be formally notified soon. He said the Commission will further strengthen the institutional framework for rights and interests of minority communities in Pakistan.
The Minister said protection of the constitutional rights of minorities remains a priority of the government and it is essential to ensure equal rights, dignity and opportunities for all citizens.