In a display of unity, the president and the prime minister extended messages of support and solidarity to the country’s religious minority communities on the occasion of National Minorities Day.

President Asif Ali Zardari, in his statement, highlighted that religious minorities in Pakistan “enjoy all the political, economic, and social rights” that are guaranteed by the Constitution. He claimed that the government has taken several steps to empower minorities politically, socially, and economically.

The president urged all segments of society to educate people about the rights of minorities and work towards promoting interfaith harmony, the spirit of love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity to strengthen Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his best wishes for members of minority communities and appreciated their contributions to the country’s development since the creation of Pakistan.

“Our minority community played a key role in the Pakistan Movement and, since the creation of Pakistan, has been contributing immensely to nation-building,” the PM said.

The national celebration of Minorities’ Day coincides with the historic speech delivered by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on August 11, 1947, where he promised to protect the rights and religious freedoms of minorities in the country – a commitment that the current leadership has vowed to uphold.

The armed forces of Pakistan, the chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the services chiefs extended warm felicitations to the minority communities, acknowledging their “indispensable contributions to the nation’s progress, prosperity, and rich cultural heritage,” according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement described the occasion as a “poignant reminder of the diversity, inclusivity, and harmonious coexistence that are the hallmarks of our great nation,” and affirmed that minority communities are an “integral and vital part of our social fabric, and their rights and freedoms are sacrosanct, as enshrined in the Constitution and Islam.”

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The armed forces further honoured the “unwavering commitment, dedication, and sacrifices” of the minority communities, recognising their “unshakeable loyalty to the nation” and their “invaluable role in fostering a cohesive and pluralistic society.”

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for the creation of an environment where “every individual’s opinion is important irrespective of his religion.” He reiterated that it was his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, who designated August 11 as National Minorities Day.