Pakistan minister reaffirms equal rights for minorities, condemns Gaza violence at Holi event
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's religious affairs minister reaffirmed the state's commitment to equal rights for religious minorities, according to an official statement on Wednesday, while condemning Israeli military actions in Gaza during a government-hosted Holi celebration in Islamabad.
Speaking at the event organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf said that minorities in Pakistan enjoyed full constitutional freedoms and equal rights.
He described Pakistan as a peaceful country where all citizens are entitled to benefit from protections guaranteed under the law.
'Religious minorities are enjoying equal rights and complete freedom,' the minister said while addressing the ceremony. 'They have clear representation in the Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies.'
The minister also highlighted state-backed welfare measures for minorities, including dedicated funds for the upkeep of religious sites, a five percent quota for minorities in public sector employment and reserved seats in educational institutions.
Yousaf also condemned Israeli actions in Gaza, reaffirming Pakistan's longstanding support for Palestinian rights.
'Pakistan has always raised its voice in support of the rights of the Palestinian people,' he said.
In recent years, Pakistan has sought to promote religious inclusion and faith-based tourism, hosting Hindu and Sikh pilgrims from India and abroad, and welcoming visiting Buddhist monks.
Despite these efforts, rights groups note that religious minorities in the country continue to face episodes of discrimination and violence.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Keso Mal Kheel Das emphasized the role of minorities in Pakistan's development and prosperity.
He voiced concern over what he described as the silence of international human rights organizations in the face of violence against Muslims in Gaza and Indian-administered Kashmir.
The Holi celebration was also attended by prominent members of Pakistan's minority communities, including women and children.
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