NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
Message of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(On the occasion of “Minorities Day” on 11th August, 2010)
Islamabad: August 10, 2010The observance of the Minorities Day today is an occasion to recognize the important role played by the minorities in Pakistan in nation building, the sacrifices rendered by them, the problems and issues by member of minorities as well as to renew our commitment to protect their rights and to draw them fully in the mainstream of national life.
The present democratic government is driven by the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam and Quaid-e-Awam in protecting the rights of the minorities.
The Quaid vision is contained in his histories speech on this day in 1947 that laid down the foundations of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan in which every one will have equal rights regardless of creed and gender. The Quaid-e-Awam’s vision is embodied in the Constitution of 1973 that envisioned minorities to freely profess and practice their religion and culture and that every one will have equal rights regardless of creed and gender.
Inspired by this vision the present government decided to observe August, 11 each year as the Minorities Day to reiterate the need to integrate people of all faiths in the national mainstream. It has reserved 5% quota in Government jobs, provided for four reserved seats in the Senate and allowed optional holidays to minorities on the eve of their religious festivals which will also be celebrated at official level. The government has also decided to review all laws that militate against minorities and the vulnerable sections of society.
The country has been hard hit both the man made disasters in the form of terrorism and natural calamities in the form of floods caused by torrential monsoons. Thousands have been killed and hundreds of billions lost in these man made disasters and natural calamities. On the occasion of Minorities Day I call upon people of all faiths to join hands to promote peace and harmony one the one hand to alleviate the sufferings of the people hit hard by floods on the other.
Let every one on this Day pledge to promote democratic values and culture as a necessary tool of promoting tolerance, peace and harmony and ending violence and extremism as well as alleviating the sufferings of our less fortunate brethren.
**DO/Ahmad**
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
MESSAGE OF THE PRIME MINISTER SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI ON
THE OCCASION OF MINORITIES DAY, 11TH August, 2010
Islamabad: August 10, 2010The present Democratic Government has declared 11th August, as “Minorities Day”, the day when the father of nation laid down the foundation of a progressive, modern and a democratic Pakistan. The founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah made a
solemn pledge at the time of creation of Pakistan that the policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities shall be practiced.
History of Islam is full of instances in which the minorities enjoyed peace, protection and equal social status. Government of Pakistan stands committed for the preservation of rights of Minorities in Pakistan. We continue to be one nation living with mutual respect, honour, peace and harmony. We recognize that our Minorities are responsible and patriotic and are playing their due role in nation building. We will, therefore, never allow the miscreants to be successful in their ulterior motives.
One of the top priorities of the present Democratic Government is to protect the rights of the Minorities and to uplift and empower them. Interfaith Harmony is being promoted through our Ministry ‘at international and national levels. Many steps have been taken by the People’s Government for the protection and promotion of Minorities like the reservation of 05% quota in Government jobs/Services, reservation of four, seats for minorities in the Senate, declaration of 11th August, as the Minorities Day, including observance of optional holidays and celebration of the festivals of Minorities at official level. We acknowledge the contribution and sacrifices of all Minorities not only in the freedom Movement but also for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
The “Minorities Day” provides with us an opportunity to reassure that despite belonging to different faiths, we are one Nation which continues to march on for a prosperous, Pakistan. I hope, this Minorities Day will go down in the annals of history as a memorable day.
**DO/Ahmad**
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
