Sharjeel highlights constitutional guarantees for minorities
He said that Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had stressed the importance of granting equal rights to all minorities residing in the country, a principle that is also enshrined in the Constitution.
During his address in the Sindh Assembly, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that minorities in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, have always been accorded respect, protection and representation.
He said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was the only political party that had given representation to minorities not only on reserved seats but also on general seats. Citing examples, he noted that Mahesh Kumar Malani, Gianchand Israni and Hari Ram were elected to general seats.
Sharjeel added that the decision of the PPP leadership to send Krishna Kolhi to the Senate in her traditional attire was widely appreciated at the international level.
He said 'when President Asif Ali Zardari launched the Benazir Income Support Programme, a significant number of its initial beneficiaries belonged to minority communities.' He added that in the ongoing 2.1 million housing project in Sindh, a substantial number of houses, along with ownership rights, were being allocated to minority families.
He said Pakistan presented a unique example in the world where security was provided to temples, churches and other places of worship, whereas in India, minorities enjoyed no protection for their life and property.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Bilawal inaugurates New Hub Canal to address Karachi's water crisis
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Speaking at the inauguration of New Hub Canal in Karachi on August 13. Photo: PPP Twitter Listen to article Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the New Hub Canal on Wednesday, emphasising that water has been a long-standing issue for the people of Karachi and must be addressed as a priority. He highlighted the importance of water for Karachi, adding that the renovation of the old Hub Canal, alongside the construction of the new canal, would significantly enhance the city's water supply. Bilawal expressed strong dissatisfaction over the federal government's persistent delay in completing the K-IV mega water project, which is crucial for Karachi's growing water needs, according to an official release. The K-IV project, part of an ongoing initiative by the Sindh Government and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), aims to address the city's long-standing water shortage. Once completed, it is expected to supply an additional 100 million gallons of water per day to Karachi. چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری نے نئی حب کینال کا افتتاح کردیا، جو یومیہ 100 ملین گیلن صاف پانی ضلع سینٹرل، کیماڑی اور غربی کے عوام فراہم کرے گی۔@BBhuttoZardari — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) August 13, 2025 Speaking at the inauguration, Bilawal remarked, 'It is unacceptable to operate with 'Shehbaz Speed' for Lahore and switch to 'Shehbaz Slow' for Karachi.' He criticised the lack of progress on the K-IV project and the federal government's failure to provide funds for Karachi's development. He added that he would raise the issue of delayed funding with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and urged him to ensure the earliest possible completion of the K-IV project. 'I had hoped the PM would support Karachi's development with the same 'Shehbaz Speed' that he has consistently shown for Lahore,' he said. Speaking on Karachi's development, Bilawal emphasised the importance of cooperation between the Sindh government and local bodies. He expressed hope that, in future elections, the people would reject politicians who spread hatred and instead support those working for the welfare of the people. He also condemned India's actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, calling out the Modi government's attempts to block Pakistan's water share. 'India has been funding terrorist organisations and intends to block Pakistan's water under the Indus Waters Treaty,' he said. He described the move as an 'historic attack on the Sindhu (Indus) River' and vowed to confront India both diplomatically and, if necessary, on the battlefield. مودی سرکار کا سندھ طاس معاہدہ توڑنے اور پاکستان کا پانی روکنے کا خواب کبھی پورا نہیں ہوگا۔ کراچی والے اپنے سندھو کا دفاع کرنا جانتے ہیں — اگر عالمی قوانین کے تحت بھارت نے سندھ طاس معاہدہ نہیں مانا تو ہم انشاء ﷲ یہ چھ کے چھ دریا اپنی عوام تک پہنچائیں گے۔@BBhuttoZardari — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) August 13, 2025 The PPP chairman reiterated Pakistan's stance, stating that the country would not allow India to break the treaty. 'If compelled, we will seize all six rivers from India and deliver them to the people of Pakistan,' he added. The ceremony was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, provincial ministers, PPP office-bearers, and other prominent citizens of the city. He also paid tribute to PPP workers, particularly from Karachi and Hyderabad, for their unwavering support in resisting hate-driven politics and fostering unity. "For the first time in history, PPP mayors have been elected in both Karachi and Hyderabad," he said, acknowledging the sacrifices made by party workers in these cities. Bilawal concluded by stressing the need for continuous progress in Karachi and ensuring that development reaches all areas, including Lyari. "Work is also underway on a seawater desalination project under a public-private partnership model," he added.
Express Tribune
8 hours ago
- Express Tribune
NA passes Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024
The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2024 by a majority vote enacting it into law after rejecting opposition proposals amid protests in the House. The House suspended its routine agenda to take up the bill. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq ordered a headcount on the bill's passage, which showed 125 votes in favour and 45 against. Opposition members protested and shouted slogans during the process. PTI chairperson Barrister Gohar Ali Khan argued that the bill violated Article 10 of the Constitution and fundamental rights by allowing detention without trial for up to three months, extendable by another three. He said no law could be enacted in contravention of the Constitution or the Supreme Court's rulings, and noted past instances of prolonged detention without due process. Read: HRCP urges govt to scrap anti-terror bill Maulana Fazlur Rehman questioned the need for such a law, recalling similar measures in the Musharraf era that he said treated citizens as 'born criminals'. The opposition maintained that the law could be misused, while the government insisted it was necessary to address the prevailing security situation. Oil reserves Separately, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmakers sought clarification from the government over US President Donald Trump's past remarks about vast oil reserves in Pakistan. On July 31, Trump took to social media to announce a new deal between the US and Pakistan for the joint development of Pakistan's "massive oil reserves". PPP's Dr Nafisa Shah questioned why the government had not provided information if such reserves existed. 'The US President is telling us about oil reserves in Pakistan, but why is the Government of Pakistan not informing us?' Read More: Trump wins his deal, Pakistan eyes the future Responding to the call to attention notice, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan had recently awarded oil exploration rights to companies from Kuwait, Turkey, and other countries. He confirmed the presence of reserves but said their exact size could only be determined after exploration work began. He added that three major gas fields—larger than the Sui field—had been discovered, and exploration had commenced in Hyderabad. Malik noted that countries such as China and the US possessed technology to verify the presence of oil and gas rapidly. Dr Shah also questioned whether Trump's remarks, including that Pakistan could one day export oil to India, were intended to pressure India into concessions, given that Pakistani ministers claimed they did not yet know the reserves' size. PPP lawmaker Syed Naveed Qamar asked if exploration opportunities would be open to countries beyond the US. Malik replied that rights would be available to multiple companies.
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Country progressing rapidly after inflicting defeat on India: Azma
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bokhari, while addressing a grand concert held at Alhamra Cultural Complex Lahore in connection with Independence Day celebrations, said that Pakistan is now on a new journey, where the country is progressing rapidly after Operation 'Bunyan al-Marsoos.' She stated that the Pakistan Armed Forces not only defeated India on the borders but also dismantled its proxy networks inside the country. The concert was attended by Provincial Ministers Shafiq Hussain, Faisal Khokhar, Special Assistant Salma Butt, Secretary Information Tahir Raza Hamdani, DGPR Ghulam Saghir Shahid, Chairman Alhamra Razi Ahmed, and a large number of citizens. On this occasion, Azma Bokhari paid tribute to the youth, artists, and citizens participating in the event and said, 'We must protect our independence. From gaining independence to protecting it is our theme today. This is the mission we must continue at all costs.' She further said that India is trying to ignite conflict in different regions of Pakistan through its proxies, but the nation has complete trust in its armed forces. 'It is the duty of every Pakistani to uplift the morale of our soldiers,' she added. Azma Bokhari also revealed that internationally acclaimed singer Atif Aslam, despite the passing of his father, wished to attend the event out of national spirit. She said this sacrifice and commitment would be greatly appreciated. She further announced that a special event will be held on September 6, in which Atif Aslam will perform again. Due to high demand, ticket prices had been fixed for the event, but in respect of public sentiment, all ticket holders will now be refunded. The Punjab Information Minister said that the people of Pakistan remember the sacrifices of their martyrs, and it is because of these sacrifices that today we are celebrating our freedom. She concluded by praying, 'May Allah protect our country till the Day of Judgment. This nation is undefeatable, and no one can ever subdue it.' The event ended with national songs, public enthusiasm, and resounding chants of 'Pakistan Zindabad!' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
