India converted IoK into a prison: minister

Shafqat Mahmood says contrary to its neighbour, the minorities living in Pakistan feel safe

ISLAMABAD: India has converted the occupied territory of Kashmir into a prison while the Muslims there are not safe. Contrary to its eastern neighbour, the minorities living in Pakistan are safe.

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood said this while addressing the National Conference on "Hum Sab Han Pakistani" Unity Diversion at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Tuesday.

Shedding light on the measures done by the government for the minorities living in Pakistan, Mahmood, who also holds the portfolio for the minister for national heritage, said that as per the vision of the Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Kartarpur Corridor was opened for the ease of Sikhs who visit Pakistan every year. He informed that Baba Guru Nanak University was also being established, as we wanted to facilitate the minorities by ensuring the provision of their basic rights.

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He lamented on the current situation prevailing in India where the Muslims were being deprived of their basic rights under new laws. He condemned the injustice of the Indian government with the Muslims. Criticising the recent laws citizenship laws promulgated in India, the minister added that the minorities in Pakistan had religious freedom while the neighbouring country was passing such laws which were creating agitation amongst the minorities.

Inclusive culture

Mahmood said that the government would make efforts to ensure the promotion of regional culture besides promoting national culture. He added that the languages and religions of Pakistanis could be different but their hearts were united. "The common thing between the nation was that they all were Pakistanis" he lauded, adding "We have many challenges and we will resolve them unanimously".

In Pakistan, the minister said that the minorities were enjoying equal rights and they were free to adopt their culture, religion, and participation in the matters of national interests. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2020.