NATIONAL MINORITIES DAY

WebDesk August 11, 2023 3 minutes read

National Day of Minorities is being observed on 11 August to honor the services rendered by minorities for the creation of Pakistan and their subsequent contribution in nation-building. The day is observed on the account of reaffirming the commitment of our great leader that despite belonging to different faiths in the country we are one nation. It has always been the endeavor of the Government to safeguard the fundamental rights, safety, security, honour, life, liberty and prosperity of minorities in line with the historic speech of the founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah at the Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947. The day is celebrated every year at the national level to recall the real vision of our great hero Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who emphasized being one nation. Our nation’s flag itself covers minority and majority being under the umbrella of one country. Pakistan was the first country in the world which reassured its minorities about their future rights by specifically allocating a portion of the national flag. The Constitution of Pakistan under Article 20 grants freedom to every citizen to profess his/her religion and to manage religious institutions. Article 25 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law. Through Article 36, the state has been called upon to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the minority communities. It is acknowledged by Pakistani and international scholarly discourses that workers and leaders from minority religions including Ahmedi/ Qadiani, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and other played a significant role under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for the struggle of independence of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Joint struggle of all communities for the freedom of Pakistan set a futuristic visionary road map for interfaith harmony among all citizen of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Since the independence, Pakistani society has produced great scientists, leaders and artists belonging to various minority religions including Ahmedi/ Qadianis. There are large number of examples that individuals from minority religions are part of the mainstream Element of National Power (EoNP) of Pakistan and enjoying inclusive jobs opportunities including Armed Forces, Civil Armed Forces, Judiciary, Bureaucracy, Business and Music etc. Pakistan have large number of religious places/sights of minority religions include Church Gurdawaras, Mandars and Rabwa, (headquarter of Ahmedi/ Qadiani community). All religious/ethnic festivals of all minority religions/communities are freely celebrated in Pakistan include Holi, Dewali, Easter, Christmas and Kalash festival etc. Famous religious sights of community religions in Pakistan are Ghandara/ Taxila, Punja Sahib, Nankana Sahib, Kartarpura, Rabwa / Chanab Nagar.