Islamabad, 12 August 2022 (TDI): Pakistan celebrated National Minorities Day on Thursday. The purpose of celebrating this day was to show Pakistan’s respect towards minority communities of the country. It honors the community represented by the White part of the Pakistani flag.
National Day of Minorities
The Government of Pakistan had designated 11th August as National Minorities Day in 2009. The day highlights the law in the constitution of Pakistan to guarantee equal rights for minorities living in Pakistan.
Moreover, the day is celebrated to honor the minorities who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan and stand as a strong pillar in nation-building. The day also emphasizes on the advice left by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Quaid-e-Azam had urged the nation to promote brotherhood and tolerance in society. Furthermore, he announced equal rights for all citizens of Pakistan. Consequently, the day is celebrated to ensure fundamental rights, safety, security, and promotion of prosperity for minorities of Pakistan.
Prime Minister’s Remarks
The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif also observed the day. He said that non-Muslim citizens are an integral part of Pakistan. Moreover, he highlighted that the founding fathers envisaged Pakistan as a pluralistic society in which all citizens are treated equally.
Our non-Muslim citizens are an integral part of our national fabric. Today we celebrate their valuble contributions & thank them for their service to the country. Our founding fathers envisaged Pakistan as a pluralistic society in which all are equal citizens of the state.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 11, 2022
Additionally, he hoped that the minorities will continue to play their respective role in national development.
The US Ambassador to Pakistan
On National Minorities Day, US Ambassador to Pakistan, David Blome met religious minority community leaders in Karachi. The meeting saw a discussion to promote interfaith cooperation, religious tolerance, and diversity in Pakistani society.
On Pakistan’s National Minority Day, U.S. Ambassador Blome was honored to meet religious minority community leaders in Karachi to promote interfaith cooperation and religious tolerance and diversity.#AmbBlome #USAMBinKarachi pic.twitter.com/mlytj2ax78
— US Consulate Karachi (@usconsulatekhi) August 11, 2022
The Ambassador of the US is on an official visit to Karachi. Previously he was on a trip to the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and graced many places with his visit.
Also Read: US Ambassador to Pakistan visits Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
During his trip to Karachi, David Blome also visited Mazar-e-Quaid. On Mazar-e-Quaid, he mentioned that the United States shares Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a unified Pakistan. Moreover, he also showed support for developing Pakistan with social tolerance and patience.
“The United States shares Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a unified Pakistan, a Pakistan of religious tolerance and social inclusion. On behalf of the American people, I’d like to wish Pakistan warm congratulations on its 75th Independence Day.” Ambassador Donald Blome pic.twitter.com/bi0F2DbNRO
— US Consulate Karachi (@usconsulatekhi) August 11, 2022
Consequently, he congratulated Pakistan on its upcoming 75th independence day on behalf of the United States.
An event at the Embassy of Pakistan in the US
The ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Masood Khan hosted an event to celebrate Minorites Day. During the event, Ambassador Masood Khan emphasized on the steps taken to empower minorities in Pakistan. He explained that measures were taken to give proper representation to minorities in the public, government, and private sectors.
“Over the years, we have taken steps to empower minorities to ensure their representation in administration, legislatures, judiciary, civic institutions & the private sector”, Amb @Masood__Khan said during a special event held at the embassy to mark #NationalMinoritiesDay pic.twitter.com/84jX3taAWR
— Pakistan Embassy US (@PakinUSA) August 12, 2022
The Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan and the United States shared common values of religious freedom and tolerance. Moreover, he highlighted that the Pakistani nation is a rainbow that contains diverse cultures and faith. Therefore, he said that everyone should work in unity to help Pakistan prosper.
Consequently, the Ambassador concluded his remarks with the affirmation that all Pakistanis are one under its flag and everyone is equal in Pakistan.
