Pakistan leaders call for equal rights on National Minorities Day

Pakistan's political leaders have issued messages commemorating National Minorities Day, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and equal rights for all citizens.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari highlighted the significant contributions of minority communities to the nation's development. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed his party's commitment to protecting constitutional rights and religious freedom, noting that the strength of the nation lies in equality and equal citizenship. He referenced the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the 1973 Constitution as foundations for these protections.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also recognized the invaluable role of minorities in Pakistan's progress. He noted that minority communities are an integral part of the national fabric and have contributed significantly to the economic, educational, social, and political spheres. Sharif recalled Muhammad Ali Jinnah's 1947 declaration that religion and creed should not influence the business of the state, asserting that the Constitution guarantees the protection of minority rights.