ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed that Pakistan’s minority communities are an essential and respected part of the nation, with their rights, freedoms, and safety fully protected under the Constitution of Pakistan. Praising their valuable contributions to the country’s progress and stability, the President highlighted their active role in national development and stressed that the state stands firmly against all forms of discrimination, extremism, and violence. Such acts, he said, have no place in society and will not be allowed to threaten national unity and integrity.

Addressing a gathering at Aiwan-e-Sadr on the occasion of National Minorities Day, the President said the government has taken practical measures to ensure inclusion and equal opportunities for all citizens. These include reserved seats for non-Muslims in the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, a five percent quota in federal and provincial government jobs, and scholarships for minority students from the primary to higher education levels.

Leaders of various minority communities thanked President Zardari for his historic 2009 decision, during his first term as President, to declare 11 August as National Minorities Day. They termed the move a milestone in recognising the contributions of minorities and safeguarding their rights.

President Zardari further assured that worship places belonging to minority communities, if under illegal occupation, would be retrieved and restored to their rightful custodians without delay. He said the government would be directed to ensure such action is taken immediately.

Highlighting the importance of interfaith understanding, the President noted that the National Policy for Interfaith Harmony has been designed to promote religious tolerance, strengthen social cohesion, and integrate all religious communities into a unified national fabric. He reminded the audience that Islam upholds peace, justice, tolerance, and the protection of human dignity — principles also reflected in the Charter of Madina, which granted equal rights to all citizens, including non-Muslims. He added that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan where every citizen would enjoy equal rights, regardless of religion — a vision that continues to guide state policies.

Marking the significance of the day, President Zardari called for a collective resolve to build an inclusive, stronger Pakistan where every citizen enjoys equality, mutual respect, and legal protection, and is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s shared future.

Earlier, in a separate message on the occasion, President Zardari renewed the national commitment to empowering minority communities and promoting interfaith harmony, brotherhood, and unity. He said Minorities Day serves as a reminder of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of a Pakistan based on equality and mutual respect, while also recognising the contributions of minorities in the armed forces, judiciary, civil services, education, and healthcare.

He further noted that Pakistan has undertaken significant steps for minority welfare, including establishing the National Commission for Minorities, allocating the Minorities Welfare Fund, restoring and preserving places of worship, and providing scholarships and financial assistance to minority students.

“In 2009, we declared 11th August as Minorities Day to reaffirm our national commitment to equality, inclusion, and the recognition of minority rights,” he said. “We will continue to promote interfaith dialogue and ensure meaningful participation of minorities in all spheres of national life.”