All religious communities enjoy equal rights in Pakistan: PM

KARACHI, Nov 11 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said that all the religious communities living in Pakistan enjoyed equal rights and reiterated his stance to safeguards their rights.
“Every community living here whether Hindu, Muslim or Parsi, everyone belongs to me and I belong to them. I am a Prime Minister of all communities,” he said addressing a ceremony to mark the Hindu religious event of Dewali.
The Prime Minister conveying his warm greetings to the huge
gathering of Hindu community, underlined the need for forging
further unity among all the communities.
He said it was his duty as the Prime Minister to protect
rights of all the communities and stand with them against any
oppression.
“It’s my duty to help and facilitate you. If you are in
distress, I will stand with you. Even if a Muslim commits an
injustice, I will stand with the victim,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that it was the lesson taught by
Islam, by his forefathers and by all religions of the world.
He also announced construction of Bhagat Kunwar Medical
Complex in Hyderabad and Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib.
The Prime Minister said it was his agenda to forge unity among
all the religious communities and called for assisting each other in
the time of need.
He said that he felt immense pleasure in attending the event
and told the organizers to invite him to all religious events of
various communities.
“Even I would like to be among you in the colourful event of
Holi in which multi-colours are sprayed,” he added.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the message of religious
hymns read out in the ceremony by saying that it was also his agenda
to stand against the tyrant.
He also lauded the role played by the Hindu community in the
development of the country, and said that they played significant
role in the realms of education, judiciary, health and sports and
produced notable personalities.
The Prime Minister said that Dewali was a message of light and
an effort to remove darkness from life.
He referred to his family’s historical background and said
that the close heart waves among people living together for years
never fade away.
Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Sindh
Governor Ishartul Ibad and Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah were
also present on the occasion.
Ismail Raho, Krishan Chan Advani and other Hindu elders also
expressed their views and appreciated Prime Minister’s presence.