National Minority Day is being observed today ( Sunday) to honour the services and sacrifices, rendered by religious minorities for the country over the years.
President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the Constitution of Pakistan fully guaranteed equal rights to the minorities as they were the important pillar of the society.
The president, in a message on the National Minorities’ Day , said a country could not aspire to achieve progress unless its nation had a unity in its ranks. It was the objective behind observance of the day on August 11 every year.
He urged upon the nation to reiterate its resolve for promotion of brotherhood and tolerance in the society without being hostage to any kind of prejudice, a press release said.
The president said the purpose of observing the day was to highlight the message of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who had pronounced equal rights to all citizens of Pakistan.
This very day also recognizes the contribution and sacrifices of minorities in creation of Pakistan and nation-building. On this occasion, events, seminars and social gatherings are arranged across the country by members of various religious minorities and the ministry of National Harmony.
The Government of Pakistan declared 11 August as National Minority Day in 2009. It has always been the endeavour of the Government to safeguard fundamental rights, safety, security, honour, life, liberty and prosperity of minorities in line with the historic speech of founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947.
Nonetheless, the National Minorities Day not only expresses gratitude for the contributions, made by these religious communities, but also professes that future development of Pakistan hinges crucially on their efforts.
