Minorities' contribution hailed
At the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) headquarters, a special ceremony was held where officers and Christian employees cut a cake and expressed solidarity with Christian staff.
Deputy Managing Director (Admin) Shoaib Rashid said Christian employees were the "backbone of WASA" and their rights remained a top priority.
CBA President Mian Maqsood described the day as one of freedom and unity, while General Secretary Benjamin Sohotra highlighted the Christian community's role in the creation and development of Pakistan.
Deputy General Secretary Aamir Rahmat said the joint celebration reflected harmony and brotherhood within WASA.
The ceremony was attended by senior WASA officials, union representatives, and Christian employees.
Separately, the Minority Rights Movement (MRM) organized a public meeting in Dawood Nagar, where speakers recalled Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's August 11, 1947 address, assuring equal rights to people of all religions. They said minorities still face marginalisation, insecurity, and a lack of representation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
Minorities Day: PCF organises at mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam
KARACHI: On the occasion of Minorities Day, President of the Pak Christian Foundation (PCF), Tariq Samuel, organized a grand ceremony at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam, showcasing a practical demonstration of national unity, harmony, and love for the country. The event was attended by leaders of different religions, representatives of civil society, and citizens from across the country, all reaffirming their commitment to minority rights and religious tolerance. Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim leaders participated in the ceremony and praised the inclusive efforts of the Pak Christian Foundation, pledging their continued dedication to promoting peace, tolerance, and unity. The ceremony was addressed by Reverend Bishop Salamat, Reverend Raees Boota of the United Presbyterian Evangelical Church, Sardar Amar Singh — Vice Chairman, Church of Pakistan (Karachi & Balochistan) and Chairman of Pakistan Khalsa Sikh Council & Member of the National Committee for Interfaith Harmony (Government of Pakistan), Pandit Mukesh Kumar — representative of the Hindu community, Tariq Nation, General Secretary of Church Leadership, as well as pastors and religious leaders from various Christian denominations. President of PCF, Tariq Samuel, paid tribute to the sacrifices of minorities in the creation of Pakistan, stating that minorities are an integral part of the nation's identity and progress. 'Pakistan is our country — our forefathers sacrificed for this homeland and as minorities, we have always stood with our nation. We are proud to be Pakistanis and are ready to make every sacrifice for the peace, development, and prosperity of the country,' he said. The mausoleum administration presented a Guard of Honour to all religious leaders, recognizing their role in promoting peace and unity. Tariq Samuel, along with all participants, laid floral wreaths at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and offered prayers for national unity, harmony, and the prosperity of Pakistan. General Secretary of PCF, Rashid Gill, thanked all religious leaders, guests, and participants, presenting bouquets as a token of love and appreciation, acknowledging their contributions towards fostering interfaith harmony and cooperation. The Pak Christian Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and reiterated that every citizen of Pakistan — regardless of religion, ethnicity, or background — is entitled to equal rights, dignity, and opportunities. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business Recorder
Sindh PA passes resolution to mark Minorities Day
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minority Day, reaffirming that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees full protection to the minorities across the country, including Sindh. Members from both the treasury and opposition benches emphasised that observing the day just three days before Independence Day sends a clear message that every citizen enjoys freedom of religion and protection of life and property. The session, chaired by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah in the old Assembly building, began after Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar moved a motion to suspend the regular agenda, which was approved. Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed tabled the resolution, urging the House to acknowledge the constitutional rights of minorities. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, speaking in favour of the resolution, recalled that the same historic hall was where the Assembly had passed a resolution in favour of Pakistan in 1943 and where Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had addressed members in 1947. Quoting the Quaid, he said everyone is free to practice their religion and that Sindh was the first province to dissolve its autonomous status to join Pakistan. He stressed that representatives from the province have always contributed to the country's unity and survival, citing the roles of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He also hoisted the national flag inside the hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi endorsed the resolution, calling it significant and urging that its spirit be upheld. He reminded members of Jinnah's warning against sectarianism and lamented that ethnic biases still surface in society. Referring to frequent dumper truck accidents in Karachi, he said the issue was not ethnic but administrative, and that recommendations agreed by all parties had not been implemented. During the debate, Home Minister, Lanjar suggested that the matter of accidents be taken up separately after the resolution. He also announced the establishment of special desks for minority affairs at both the provincial police chief's office and district SSP offices. Local Government Minister, Saeed Ghani expressed pride in the Christian and Hindu communities living in his constituency, condemning religious persecution in India. Deputy Speaker Naveed, who moved the resolution, noted that President Asif Ali Zardari had officially declared Minority Day in 2009, and that the white stripe in Pakistan's national flag symbolises minority representation. He proposed removing the word 'minority' from the Constitution to promote equality. Former speaker, Agha Siraj Durrani described the day as one for unity, noting that the term 'minority' was a constitutional one that could only be amended by the National Assembly. He said the Pakistan Peoples Party had ensured more than five percent job quotas for non-Muslims. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan voiced unconditional support for the resolution, recalling Jinnah's vision that Pakistan's freedom would only be complete when all its inhabitants were free. PTI's Shabbir Qureshi highlighted that Pakistan is unique for representing minorities in its flag. MQM's Anil Kumar said Hindus in Pakistan live freely with full facilities, unlike minorities in India, and joined calls to remove the word 'minority' from the Constitution. MQM's Fauzia Hameed stressed the need for interfaith harmony and equal rights for all citizens. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the session adjourned. Sindh's Senior Minister for Information and Transport, Sharjeel Inam Memon told the Assembly that the green and white national flag reflects both the freedom of the country and the guaranteed rights of minorities. He cited examples of minority members elected by the PPP to general seats, such as Mahesh Kumar Malani, Giyanchand Essarani and Hari Ram, as well as Krishna Kohli's representation in the Senate in traditional dress, which earned international praise. Sharjeel Memon said PPP leadership had ensured minority inclusion in the Benazir Income Support Programme and the ongoing housing scheme, with thousands of non-Muslim families receiving homes and ownership rights. He contrasted Pakistan's protection of places of worship with the lack of safety for minorities in India. Turning to the recent fatal dumper truck accident in Karachi, the minister said two children were killed and their father critically injured when a truck hit their motorcycle. He said police arrested the driver and impounded the vehicle, yet violent elements set fire to seven dumpers in a coordinated bid to create unrest. Calling it an old tactic to promote ethnic and criminal politics, he vowed that the government would not allow the city's hard-earned peace to be disturbed. He said agreements had been signed with dumper owners requiring all trucks entering the city after the 25th of this month to be fitted with modern trackers and cameras, with full driver records checked. The chief minister had also ordered immediate compensation for the victims' families. He warned that anyone attempting to spread chaos again would face 'forceful' action to preserve the city's security. Home Minister, Lanjar, addressing reporters and later the House, said FIRs had been registered and the affected families compensated. He urged against exaggerating such incidents, noting that not only dumper drivers but all road users share responsibility for accidents, given outdated vehicles and unsafe practices. Plans are underway to introduce e-ticketing, ensure all heavy vehicles have cameras, enforce proper licensing and ban unfit trucks. He reaffirmed Sindh's commitment to protecting minorities and urged citizens to celebrate Independence Day peacefully, avoiding aerial firing in compliance with Section 144. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Minorities' contribution hailed
Minority Day was observed in Faisalabad with official ceremonies and public gatherings to pay tribute to the contributions of minority communities and reiterate commitments to their rights. At the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) headquarters, a special ceremony was held where officers and Christian employees cut a cake and expressed solidarity with Christian staff. Deputy Managing Director (Admin) Shoaib Rashid said Christian employees were the "backbone of WASA" and their rights remained a top priority. CBA President Mian Maqsood described the day as one of freedom and unity, while General Secretary Benjamin Sohotra highlighted the Christian community's role in the creation and development of Pakistan. Deputy General Secretary Aamir Rahmat said the joint celebration reflected harmony and brotherhood within WASA. The ceremony was attended by senior WASA officials, union representatives, and Christian employees. Separately, the Minority Rights Movement (MRM) organized a public meeting in Dawood Nagar, where speakers recalled Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's August 11, 1947 address, assuring equal rights to people of all religions. They said minorities still face marginalisation, insecurity, and a lack of representation.
