Policy priority: Govt to take all steps to protect minorities, says Sindhu

LAHORE:

The government is taking all needed steps to protect the lives and properties of minority citizens, Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sindhu said on Sunday.

Talking to a delegation of Sikh community leaders, Sindhu said that the government would raise its voice over the violation of the rights of minorities in any part of the world.

“We have strongly condemned the discriminatory attitude towards Sikhs and other minorities in the neighboring country. Sikhs and other minorities enjoy all constitutional rights in Pakistan. No one will be allowed to use religion to gain political mileage,” he said.

The minister said that that the government had always raised its voice in the United Nations and other forums over violation of human rights. He also assured the delegations of the government’s support.

He said that the prime minister had set up a special committee to provide relief to Rohingya Muslims of Burma.

“The international community and UN should take notice of the atrocities against Muslims in Burma and take immediate measures for the protection of their rights,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2015.