ISLAMABAD — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to Pakistan’s minority communities for their contributions from the independence movement to the country’s development.
Addressing a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad on Tuesday to mark National Minorities Day, Shehbaz said all citizens must work together to strengthen Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, regardless of religion, in line with the vision of the country’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
PM Praises Minorities’ Contributions to Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan observes August 11 as National Minorities Day.
He expressed respect for members of the Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Parsi communities and recognized their role in the Pakistan Movement.
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The prime minister recalled Quaid-e-Azam’s August 11 address and said its principles remain central to the equal rights guaranteed to minorities under Pakistan’s Constitution.
Shehbaz also praised the Christian community’s contribution to education in Pakistan. He recalled that he and his siblings received their early education at Christian schools.
Minority Heroes Remembered
The prime minister highlighted the contributions of prominent figures from minority communities, including Cecil Chaudhry, Justice A.R. Cornelius, Jogendra Nath Mandal, S.L. Gibbs and S.P. Singha.
He said members of minority communities had contributed to Pakistan’s national development, fought in wars and made sacrifices for the country’s defense.
Shehbaz also acknowledged the sacrifices made by minority citizens in the fight against terrorism.
He urged all Pakistanis to work together for national progress and called for greater investment in young people’s education and modern skills.
PM Calls for Unity and National Development
Shehbaz said Pakistan must move forward while keeping the objectives of its creation in mind.
He called for collective efforts to strengthen the country’s economy, prosperity and international standing.
The prime minister also addressed Pakistan’s recent defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
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He said the Makkah Defense Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye was not directed against any country. Instead, he described it as an initiative aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity.
Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, stability and economic development.
Minority Community Members Receive Awards
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz presented awards and honors to members of minority communities who had made notable contributions to Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf also addressed the gathering.
He said the government was taking steps to protect minority rights and promote their welfare.
Yousaf said Pakistan’s Constitution fully guarantees minority rights. He added that the government had strengthened security at places of worship and provided educational scholarships and financial assistance to minority communities.
He also said the government officially observes 10 religious festivals associated with minority communities.
Government Highlights Religious Freedom
Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kheial Das Kohistani said minorities across Pakistan were observing National Minorities Day.
He welcomed the prime minister’s participation in the ceremony and said minorities could proudly describe Pakistan as a country belonging to all its citizens.
Kheial Das highlighted the Sikh Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act as important developments for minority communities. He added that work was also underway on legislation concerning Christian marriages.
He said minorities in Pakistan enjoy religious freedom and protection.
Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu also addressed the ceremony and welcomed the National Commission for Minorities Act as an important step toward protecting minority rights.
He said minority communities had consistently contributed to Pakistan’s development.
