Islamabad: The Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, emphasized the significant contributions of minority communities to Pakistan’s progress and development, asserting that their role is integral to the nation’s social fabric and identity. Speaking at a ceremony at Parliament House to mark National Minorities Day, he reiterated the state’s responsibility to ensure dignity, protection, equal rights, and opportunities for every citizen.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the event, attended by parliamentarians, members of the Parliamentarians Minorities Caucus, and senior Senate officials, underscored Gilani’s commitment to minority rights, a priority he established during his tenure as Prime Minister in 2009 by declaring August 11 as National Minorities Day. The initiative aimed to recognize the services of minority communities and reaffirm the national commitment to their inclusion.

Gilani highlighted historical contributions of minority leaders, citing Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s selection of Jogendra Nath Mandal as Pakistan’s first Law Minister as an example of envisioned equality and inclusion. He further acknowledged achievements of minority members in various fields and commended efforts towards interfaith harmony and tolerance.

The ceremony featured speeches from various officials, including Senator Danesh Kumar, who praised Gilani’s commitment to minority rights, and Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, who emphasized the equal citizenship of minorities. The event concluded with calls for continued efforts to safeguard minority rights and promote national unity.