Completion of minority legislation promised

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has assured religious minorities that legislation concerning their rights and welfare, which has remained pending for a long time, would be completed at the earliest.

He was addressing a ceremony held at the Governor House on Saturday to mark the 557th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. The Governor extended greetings to the Sikh community and reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of people belonging to all religious communities.

Faisal Karim Kundi said Pakistan was a safe country for people of all faiths and acknowledged the significant contributions of minority communities to the country's development, prosperity and social fabric.

He said the K-P government stood shoulder to shoulder with minority communities and was making efforts to address their concerns despite limited financial resources. He stressed that ensuring equal rights, protection and opportunities for all citizens was among the government's priorities.

The Governor also regretted that previous provincial governments had not given adequate attention to the welfare and issues of religious minorities. He said the present government was determined to address their longstanding concerns and take practical steps to improve their living conditions.

Emphasising the importance of peace and stability, Kundi said lasting peace was essential for the development and prosperity of K-P. He said the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS), members of the public, police personnel and security forces in the struggle against terrorism would always be remembered.

He said the sacrifices of these individuals and institutions had played a significant role in the restoration of peace, adding that the nation must remain united in its efforts to maintain stability and counter violence.