Paul Bhatti seeks increased minority quota in assemblies

Minorities will feel secure, strong with more representatives in legislative assemblies, says Dr Paul Bhatti.

ISLAMABAD: Minister Incharge for National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti sought more seats for minorities in the Senate, National and Provincial Assemblies, citing an increase in the national population. Bhatti was addressing  a seminar titled “To stop forced conversion of religion” arranged by the Ministry of National Harmony.

“Minorities will feel secure and strong with more representatives in legislative assemblies,” he said.

Bhatti told the audience that the government had already reserved four seats in the Senate in light of new amendments introduced to the Constitution after the passage of the 18th Amendment and was also planning to establish a large university for arts and religions in Islamabad, where all religions would be taught with equal respect.

“It will mark our beloved homeland Pakistan as a tolerant and peace loving country on the map of the world,” he said.

The minister also urged the provincial and local governments as well as the Fata administration to encourage employment of minority individuals in all public and private sectors.

“I know that the youth of our minorities are also ambitious and want to join our valiant defence forces. I will give my proposals at appropriate forum in this regard,” said Bhatti.

Correction: An earlier version of the article stated that the government is likely to allocate quota for minorities, but instead Paul Bhatti had called for an increase in the existing quota. The article has been revised for corrections.