Interfaith harmony: ‘Give a voice to the minorities’

RAWALPINDI:

In today’s scenario, it is pertinent to recall Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s address to the members of Pakistan’s first constituent assembly on August 11, 1947. His speech declared equal rights and freedom for the minorities to express their faith.

This was stated by Advisor to Prime Minister on National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti at a seminar on “Minority Rights in Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects” here on Wednesday.

Dr Bhatti said that minorities in the country have been fighting terrorism, illiteracy and poverty since long. It is high time to unite against these nuisances to promote interfaith dialogue and harmony and create an environment of peace and tolerance in the society. The religious division will only further weaken the country, he said. “Minorities all over the world should have security, equality and protection of the fundamental rights irrespective of their religion,” said Dr Bhatti.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19^th, 2012.