Minister vows to protect minorities
Says govt promoting interfaith harmony and Pakistan is a tolerant nation.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah. PHOTO: www.na.gov.pk
ISLAMABAD:
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah on Sunday affirmed that the government was committed to protecting the lives and properties of minority groups in the country.
“The government is promoting interfaith harmony and Pakistan is a tolerant and peaceful nation,” the minister said in a statement.
The statement comes on the heels of a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan according to which a resounding 78 per cent of respondents have said that the Christian community should be allowed to construct churches in Muslim-dominated countries.
Touting Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz administration’s efforts to sow interfaith harmony in the country, the minister said, “The government celebrates 10 religious festivals officially every year in which followers of different faiths are invited.”
The minister said a National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has been reconstituted and is working for the protection of minorities’ rights. The panel comprises members from all minority groups in the country.
Shah added that a three-member committee is also reviewing the national policy on interfaith harmony under the NCM.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2rd, 2015.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Pir Aminul Hasnat Shah on Sunday affirmed that the government was committed to protecting the lives and properties of minority groups in the country.
“The government is promoting interfaith harmony and Pakistan is a tolerant and peaceful nation,” the minister said in a statement.
The statement comes on the heels of a survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan according to which a resounding 78 per cent of respondents have said that the Christian community should be allowed to construct churches in Muslim-dominated countries.
Touting Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz administration’s efforts to sow interfaith harmony in the country, the minister said, “The government celebrates 10 religious festivals officially every year in which followers of different faiths are invited.”
The minister said a National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has been reconstituted and is working for the protection of minorities’ rights. The panel comprises members from all minority groups in the country.
Shah added that a three-member committee is also reviewing the national policy on interfaith harmony under the NCM.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 2rd, 2015.