President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz 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 being observed today, 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 said the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees the protection of the rights and interests of minority communities.

Maryam Nawaz’s message

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that there will never be any compromise on the dignity, protection and development of minorities.

In a message on National Minorities Day, Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to all minority brothers and sisters working for the development and prosperity of the beloved homeland.

Reiterating the commitment to follow the thoughts of the Quaid-e-Azam for the freedom and rights of minorities, Maryam Nawaz said Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan is the homeland of all and everyone is safe and free here with their own beliefs. 

Maryam Nawaz Sharif said minorities are the beauty and crown of Pakistani society. 

She said the Punjab government is following the policy of giving minorities full rights to education, development and welfare. 

For the first time in history, Punjab has had the honour of introducing a “Minority Card” for the minority community, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said minority brothers and sisters are being given Rs10,500 each family quarterly through minority cards. 

Maryam Nawaz said Punjab has had the honour of passing the first Sikh Marriage Act 2024 and “Anand Karj” has been given legal status. 

The long-pending Hindu Marriage Act 2017 has also been approved, she added. 

Government is making it possible for the minority community in Punjab to easily access education, health, and employment, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said in the current financial year, the development and non-development budget for the minority community and grants for religious festivals have been significantly increased. 

The construction and renovation of historical gurdwaras, churches, and temples of Punjab are among our priorities, Maryam Nawaz said.

Maryam Nawaz said scholarships for minority students and live courses launched in Youhanabad.

Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter are now celebrated in Punjab with full enthusiasm at the official level, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said the minority quota system is being implemented in the province. 

Government is not only the protector of the rights of minorities, but is also determined to give them a fair share in every field, Maryam Nawaz said.

She said Punjab is rapidly moving towards a society where love and tolerance will be the hallmark.

Minorities are the charming colours of Pakistan and these colours will never be allowed to fade, Maryam Nawaz concluded.