Minorities entitled to all basic rights: Minister

RAWALPINDI: Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sahibzada Noorul Haq Qadri has said that interfaith harmony was need of the hour to foil nefarious designs of the enemies of Pakistan.

Addressing an Interfaith Harmony Conference at Eidgah Sharif, the minister said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) brought revolutionary changes in the lives of people.

He said Muslims should re-establish the nexus of Islam and peace for regaining their glory and identity as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave humanity the roadmap for success in the world and the life hereafter

He called for concerted efforts to promote interfaith harmony in Pakistan and termed such measures were imperative to protect the basic rights of each and every citizen of the country.



Qadri also praised and highlighted the contributions made by minority communities. The religious minorities living in the country were entitled to all the fundamental rights and complete freedom to practice their faiths at par with Muslims, in accordance with the guiding principles of the country's founding fathers, he added.

He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was very kind to non-Muslims. A delegation of Christians came from Najran to meet the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) who ordered the stay of the delegation in Masjid-e-Nabvi, he added.

The minister also apprised the audience as how the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) established an Islamic state and signed Misaq-e-Madinah (Madina Charter) that had been remembered as the first written constitution binding the state and citizens to a code of conduct.

Qadri said the conference was organised aimed at promoting religious harmony, tolerance, brotherhood and equality, respect for humanity, non-violence, unity, reconciliation and culture of dialogueand renew our affiliation with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) who changed the lives of not only individuals but the whole society.  Islam condemns terrorism of every kind, he added.

He urged the Muslims to ensure bringing mercy in their lives as this was panacea to all ills. The members of minorities including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and others were as patriotic Pakistanis as anyone else. All Pakistanis should stand united and make concerted efforts for the peace, progress and development of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2019.