Islamabad: National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, emphasized the significant contributions of minority communities to Pakistan’s development in a message marking National Minorities’ Day. He highlighted the roles minorities play in various sectors such as education, health, defense, and trade, underscoring their integral presence in the nation’s progress.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker Sadiq reiterated the constitutional guarantee of equal rights and religious freedom for all citizens under Article 25. He spoke of the importance of National Minorities’ Day, observed on August 11, as a moment to reaffirm commitments to mutual respect, tolerance, interfaith harmony, and national unity. The Speaker referenced the historical address by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947, which laid the foundation for a society rooted in religious freedom and equality.

Speaker Sadiq affirmed the state’s commitment to Jinnah’s vision, highlighting Parliament’s role in protecting minority rights and ensuring equal opportunities through legislation. He acknowledged the contributions of minority parliamentarians to national affairs, reflecting the strength of Pakistan’s democratic system. He also paid tribute to notable non-Muslim figures who have made significant contributions to the country’s history.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the collective responsibility to build a society founded on tolerance, mutual respect, and religious freedom. He reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony.