ISLAMABAD: The National Minority Day was celebrated in Pakistan on Saturday to highlight the contribution, services and sacrifices made by the minority communities in the creation of Pakistan and in nation building.
Several events, seminars and social gatherings were arranged across the country by members of various religious minorities as well as the Ministry of National Harmony.
Minister In-charge for National Harmony Dr Paul Bhatti issued a message saying, “The day we celebrate every year on August 11, recalls the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah with reference to his speech and the contribution of non-Muslim communities to Pakistan.”
“The celebration of Minority Day provides us with an opportunity to re-assure that despite belonging to different faiths we are one nation that continues to march for a united and prosperous Pakistan,” he said adding that the commendable service of religious minorities, along with Muslims, is a glorious chapter in the history of the independence movement of Pakistan.
The minister added that the religious minorities in the country have given a considerable contribution to different fields in the society including health, education, defence and social welfare.
He further urged all religious communities to stay united and to promote interfaith harmony, creating unity, peace, equity and justice in the society.
COMMENTS (14)
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Please read Quaid-e-Azam's speech. Muslims cannot live in peace with non-muslims. That is why Pakistan was created. Pakistan is for muslims. Others can go back to India, we dont need them. Even here in Canada we would prefer if non-muslims were thrown out. Insha Allah, Canada and Europe will be Islamic soon.
@Pungi: Muslims do not share the same table with minorities even in restaurants. Minorities are served, in separate plates and glass reserved for non-muslims in every home. Aisa Bibi is still in prison because she took water from the same well used by Muslims. Above all ET cannot find a picture of Minority celebrating Minority day and all they could come up is with religious symbols of minorities on a blank sheet. Hard to find minority in Pakistan today !!!!!!!
Wow !! I think Pakistan is the only country in the world which firstly declares certain groups as minorities, then hammers them into the ground and then celebrates !! Give me one more incidence of Minority Day Celebration in the World.
@Pungi: Have you converted a hindu girl....family relation.We never saw such trend in india.
Pakistani Muslims & Non-Muslims all are living friendly, at least I can say on my behalf where we have family relationships with many Christian & Hindu families...Pakistan is for all of us & We all are proud being Pakistanis..!
@sandeep:Basically pakistani society is a tolerant society but since Gen Zia ul Haq 1979 minorities have been persecuted. they are not given a fair go.they are not allowed by law to run for positions of Prime Minister,President and Armed Forces chiefs.Gen Zia Ul Haq turned Pakistan into a religious extremist society.Pakistan before Gen Zia ul haq was good for minorities.But there is a hope.Last ten years pakistan changed alot.ordinary Pakistanis have realised that we are integral part of society.Now atleast we have our voice and it is heard.
what about ahmadis ?
Who cares .at least we got a day to celebrate
hey i am from india,can any one tell me how minorities are treated in pakistan? and what are the reservations given to them? thank you !
Such days are very important in Pakistan, hope the standards of minority improves.
Is this a joke? Mass exodus is underway and they are "celebrating".
We want Noruz be celebrated as a National Day in Pakistan.it was taken away by the British.it can reunite all Pakistan.Parsis have been persecuted in Pakistan
were minorities allowed to participate in the celebrations?
The image shows pictures representing various faiths like Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity and even Jews! By the way how many attended/'celebrated' this 'National Minority Day'... You know you got to have minorities left to do this 'celebration' thing right??