ABBOTTABAD, Sep 15 (APP): KP Minister for Law and Religious and Minority Affairs Justice (R) Syed Arshad Shah on Friday reaffirmed the commitment of the provincial government to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities.
The minister while speaking at an event at St. Luke’s Church, here, emphasized the importance of protecting minority properties, lives, and religious freedoms.
The event, organized by the Provincial Department of Auqaf and Religious Affairs and the Churches Association of Hazara, where religious scholars, minority community leaders, and government officials, including Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Khalid Iqbal, District Khateeb Mufti Abdul Wajid, and SSP Traffic Warden Arif Javed, Priests from various Christian churches in Hazara were also present.
Syed Arshad Shah commended the cooperative efforts of Muslim scholars and leaders from religious minority groups in achieving common goals.
He highlighted the proactive steps taken by the provincial government, particularly in collaboration with the Christian community, to ensure the protection and rights of minorities.
Minister for Law and Religious and Minority Affairs emphasized that there is no perceived threat to minorities at the public level, but there are isolated elements attempting to disrupt peace by targeting both Muslims and minority communities through acts of violence.
He assured the audience that the government is fully committed to countering such elements with all necessary measures and resources.
The Minister announced plans for the immediate reconstruction of St. Luke’s Church, demonstrating the government’s dedication to protecting places of worship and providing essential facilities for minority communities.
He also stated that complaints related to illegal property possession and the preservation of endowments will be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
While speaking on the occasion District Khateeb Mufti Abdul Wajid emphasized the importance of peace and security in the district, highlighting that Islam promotes peace and that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) extended his hand for peace to all religions.
Zaakir Pal Advocate, a member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minority Council, and Rafique Javed, President of the Churches Association Hazara Division, underscored the longstanding tradition of interfaith harmony in Abbottabad.
They mentioned the city’s history as a symbol of peace and solidarity, where minority communities have stood in unity with Muslims, even protesting against blasphemous acts and the desecration of graves.
