ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Monday said that the contribution of minority communities to the construction, progress and development of Pakistan is indelible, adding that minorities are an integral part of the country’s social fabric and national identity. "It is the responsibility of the State to ensure the dignity, protection, equal rights and equal opportunities for development of every citizen" he expressed these views while addressing …
Contribution of minorities to Pakistan’s progress, development indelible: Gilani
ISLAMABAD, Aug 10 (APP):Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Monday said that the contribution of minority communities to the construction, progress and development of Pakistan is indelible, adding that minorities are an integral part of the country’s social fabric and national identity.
“It is the responsibility of the State to ensure the dignity, protection, equal rights and equal opportunities for development of every citizen” he expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at Parliament House to mark National Minorities Day.
The ceremony was attended by parliamentarians, members of the Parliamentarians Minorities Caucus, Senators, Members of the National Assembly and senior officials of the Senate Secretariat.
The ceremony was organized in line with Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s vision, under which the protection and promotion of the rights of minorities and women remain among his fundamental priorities.
The Chairman Senate recalled that in 2009, during his tenure as Prime Minister, his government declared August 11 as National Minorities Day.
He said the initiative was aimed at recognizing the equal status, rights and services of minority communities and reaffirming the national commitment to their inclusion and empowerment.
He said that during that period, several practical measures were taken, including the establishment of a federal ministry for minority affairs, allocation of a quota for minorities in federal government jobs, and steps to enhance minority representation in the Senate.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that the history of Pakistan is enriched by the invaluable services and sacrifices of its minority communities. Paying tribute to the role of minority leaders in the Pakistan Movement, he said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah selected Jogendra Nath Mandal to preside over the first Constituent Assembly and appointed him as Pakistan’s first Law Minister.
He said this was a clear reflection of the principles of equality, inclusion and national unity envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam.
He highlighted the outstanding contributions of members of minority communities in various fields, including the judiciary, armed forces, education, healthcare, literature, science and sports.
The Chairman Senate specifically acknowledged the services of distinguished personalities including Justice A.R. Cornelius, Justice Dorab Patel, Justice Rana Bhagwandas, Group Captain Cecil Chaudhry and Dr. Ruth Pfau, among others.
Chairman Senate said that the principles of minority rights, religious freedom and human dignity are deeply rooted in Islamic traditions.
He described the Charter of Madina as a historic and inspiring example of a society founded on peaceful coexistence, mutual responsibility and respect among people belonging to different faiths.
He said that National Minorities Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the constitutional principles of equality, freedom, human dignity and inclusion enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Addressing the minority communities, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said, “This Parliament is yours. Under the shade of this flag, we are all one. Your protection, equal opportunities and a bright future are the responsibility of the State.”
He emphasized that Pakistan should be a country where every citizen is respected, every community is valued, and every individual is provided equal opportunities to contribute to the country’s shared future. He termed the promotion of national unity, interfaith harmony and tolerance an urgent need of the hour.
The Chairman Senate also commended Convener of the Parliamentarians Minorities Caucus Senator Danesh Kumar and members of the Caucus for their efforts to safeguard minority rights, promote equal opportunities and strengthen institutional accountability.
He thanked them for organizing the National Minorities Day ceremony.
Addressing the ceremony, Senator Danesh Kumar paid tribute to Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for his services and commitment to the rights of minorities.
He said that minority communities in Pakistan enjoy religious freedom, adding that while our faiths may be different, “our homeland is Pakistan.”
Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman said that all citizens of Pakistan are equal and no one has superiority over another. Senator Khalil Tahir Sindhu said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic August 11 address should be incorporated into the national curriculum and important national references.
Member National Assembly Naveed Aamir Jeeva appreciated Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s services for the rights of minorities.
He said that the five per cent quota for minorities in government jobs and measures to ensure minority representation from each province in the Senate were of historic significance.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi said that minorities are equal citizens of Pakistan and their contribution to the country’s development and prosperity is immensely important. He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had always raised her voice for the protection of minority rights, while President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are also committed to safeguarding the rights of minority communities.
Former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that holding the National Minorities Day ceremony at Parliament House conveyed a clear message to the world that all citizens in Pakistan enjoy equal rights and religious freedom.
Member National Assembly Mahesh Kumar Malani paid tribute to Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for highlighting National Minorities Day at the national level. He said that the election of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani from a general seat was a symbol of the confidence reposed by the political leadership in the minority community.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani also congratulated the Chairman Senate on organizing the ceremony and said that adherence to the principles of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was the key to Pakistan’s progress, stability and prosperity.
Senators Khalil Tahir Sindhu, Bushra Anjum Butt, Faisal Saleem Rehman, Shahadat Awan, Nasir Butt, Kamran Murtaza and Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman, as well as Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider and senior officials of the Senate Secretariat, also attended the ceremony.
