Pakistan

NA urges govt to declare Holi, Dewali and Easter as holidays

House adopts resolution presented by Dr Ramesh Vankwani of the PML-N

APP March 15, 2016

PHOTO: EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly adopted on Tuesday a resolution to take steps for declaring Holi, Dewali and Easter as holidays for minorities.

"This house is of the opinion that government should take steps to declare Holi, Dewali and Easter as [official] holidays for minorities," says the resolution moved by Dr Ramesh Vankwani of the ruling party.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah while speaking in the house said Interior Ministry had already given permission to heads of different organisations, departments and institutions to grant leave to people belonging from minority groups on their respective religious festivals.

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Commenting on the move, Pervaiz Rashid said there was no discrimination on the basis of religion, and every citizen was enjoying religious freedom in the country.

Rashid said although he did not oppose the resolution, it should be reconsidered as there were already a large number of gazetted holidays in the country.

COMMENTS (3)

RZ | 8 years ago | Reply This is just an eyewash! The Government of Pakistan already issues a yearly calendar of holidays for minorities. It is used by those in the government as well as some in the private sector to take the day off. I know because my colleagues (Hindus, Christians and Parsis) use to take the day off and produce a copy of the government calendar as proof. If they want to make it an official holiday it should be for the entire country - that would go a long way towards showing that every religion is respected in the country.

NHA | 8 years ago | Reply Certainly a move worth the consideration. Official holidays for minorities on thier religious festivals. a good idea.

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