Islamabad, January 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that religious minorities are a vital part of the Pakistani community and their contribution for progress and prosperity of the country is praiseworthy. He said that the Parliament and government is fully cognizant of its responsibility and had safeguarded the rights and liberties enjoyed by all religious minorities guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and guiding principles of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He expressed these while talking to a delegation of Hindu Yatries headed by Ms. Kundan Bai Ji who visited Parliament House today. Patron-in-chief Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC) Mr. Ramesh Kumar Wakwani, MNA was also present during the meeting. Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that Islam strongly underscores protection of all fundamental rights of minorities thus it is our religious obligation to protect the rights of our minorities. He said that the incumbent government has taken drastic measures to ensure their constitutional rights in the Country.
Referring to the usurpation of the religious and constitutional rights of Kashmiris and the other religious minorities by the Indian Government, the Speaker said that Kashmiris are suffering under the suppression and tyranny of the Indian Army and it is a test of the conscience of the whole world.
He said that the Kashmiri Muslims had been forbidden to practice their religious obligations. He stressed for resolution of Kashmir dispute as per aspirations of people of Kashmir and the resolutions of United Nations. He also said that it is incumbent upon international community to take cognizance of the plight of Kashmiris.
The Speaker said that Pakistan was rich in tourism potential and rich cultural and religious heritage. HE said that the government had taken an initiative to promote and facilitate religious tourism in Pakistan. He expressed his optimism that the initiative will create interfaith harmony and promote the true peaceful and progressive face of Pakistan. He assured his all-out support in this regard.
While mentioning about the government’s initiative of provision of Health insurance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to all the citizens, the Speaker Asad Qaiser said that it is first of its kind public policy initiative to provide free health services to all citizens.
He said that the Health Card Scheme would be replicated across the country in view of its successful implementation in KPK and Punjab. He also said that KPK is the first province which has implemented the policy of autonomy of all health institutes so that these can take independent decisions regarding recruitment and other administrative affairs.
Patron-in-Chief PHC Mr. Ramesh Kumar, MNA appreciated the support of Speaker Asad Qaiser and his encouragement to legislate for protection of minorities. He said that this Delegation would visit all Hindu sights across the country and he also applauded the efficiency and support of KPK Police during the tour to their holy sites in KPK.
Head of Hindu Yatries delegation Ms. Kundan Bai Ji said that this delegation comprised Yatries from various countries. She said that it was encouraging that the government had well preserved their religious places. She said that she and members of the delegation were delegated to enjoy the hospitality and warmth shown by the people of Pakistan.
Later on Ms. Kundan Bai ji gifted the Digital Holy Quran to Speaker National Assembly and Yatries from Spain and USA also exchanged gifts. The Speaker National Assembly also awarded a remembrance shield to Ms. Kundan Bai ji.
For more information, contact:
Secretary,
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk