Govt must protect minorities’ places of worship: Minister

Says 'minorities in Pakistan are in deep trouble'.


Zahid Gishkori April 01, 2012

ISLAMABAD: Minister In-charge of National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti said on Sunday that he would raise objections in the parliament if the government fails to safeguard the places of worship of minorities, particularly the Hindu community.

“Minorities in Pakistan are in deep trouble,” Bhatti told the Express Tribune.

“The government should be committed to safeguard the places of worship of all minorities in the country and all possible steps should be taken for the care and maintenance of these places,” said Bhatti.

Taking notice of the Hindu community’s protest in front of the National Press Club in Islamabad for the repossession of their temple, the minister said that no one should be allowed to occupy their places of worship.

He also directed the concerned authorities to take up the matter and resolve it at the earliest.

More than 30 Hindus from Tehsil Zafarwal in Norowal district took part in the protest on Friday.

Bhatti said: “We should respect the places of worship of others and demonstrate tolerance to establish peace in the country in order to promote interfaith harmony. All religions are integral parts of the society."

“Interfaith harmony can only be achieved through interfaith relationship,” added Bhatti. “Interfaith dialogue and harmony among the people of different faiths can create an environment of peace and tolerance in the society.”

“We should have interactions to understand each other’s point of views.”

He further said that peace was necessary for the development of the country and the socioeconomic uplift of the minorities so that the people of different faiths can sit together and work for the welfare of the nation.

COMMENTS (21)

MNA KHAN | 11 years ago | Reply

The founder of Pakistan want to give equal rights to all citizens of Pakistan. So in the mind of Muhammad Ali Jinnah there was no concept of minority or majority. He was a liberal Muslim leader believing in the Secular Islam not in the Theocratic Islam ( Mullah-ism ) which is now established in Pakistan. Poor Mr.Paul Bhatti he can only give a statement and can do nothing. Pakistan can never make progress without amending the laws of persecution and without giving the equal rights to all Pakistanis.Due to this politicizing of religion Pakistan is thrown into fundamentalism and terrorism. Pakistan should come back on the track of Quaid-E-Azam and leave the track of Theocracy ( Mullah-ism ) as early as possible if it want to survive.

Dr Boodhun | 11 years ago | Reply

The real issue is that Pakistani Muslims hate all those who differ with their version of religion. Period. That's why Christians have been burnt alive, Hindu temples have been desecrated, Shias are gunned down regularly and Ahmadi Muslims are often murdered with the tacit approval of the Government. No law will change these people.

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