President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated the national resolve to empower and advance minority communities in Pakistan.

In a message on the occasion of Minorities Day being observed on August 11, he emphasised the importance of interfaith harmony, brotherhood and unity to foster an inclusive and prosperous nation.

President Zardari stated that Minorities Day is observed today as a reaffirmation of the commitment to safeguard the rights of minorities.

It also reflected the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for a country like Pakistan where all citizens coexisted in equality, harmony and mutual respect.

According to a press release issued by the President’s Secretariat Press Wing, he highlighted that the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan guarantees equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their religion, caste, creed or colour.

The constitution also protects the legitimate interests of minorities, ensuring their political, economic, religious, social and cultural rights.

He further stressed on “Pakistan stands resolutely against all forms of discrimination, extremism, and religious intolerance. We remain determined to build a society free from prejudice, one that embraces diversity as a strength and is anchored in mutual respect, interfaith harmony, and shared progress.”

President Zardari, on this occasion, took the opportunity to recognise the contributions of the minority communities in nation-building.

They had served the country with dedication in the armed forces, judiciary, civil services, education and health care. Their patriotism and services are a source of pride for the entire nation.

The president noted that Pakistan had taken a number of measures for the welfare and empowerment of minorities.

These include the establishment of the National Commission for Minorities, allocation of Minorities Welfare Fund, restoration and preservation of places of worship and provision of scholarships and financial assistance to minority students.

He also recalled that during his first tenure as president of Pakistan in 2009, the government declared 11th August as Minorities Day to reaffirm national commitment to equality, inclusion, and the recognition of minority rights.

He further said that the government will continue to promote interfaith dialogue and ensure meaningful participation of minorities in every sphere of national life.