Creation of Pakistan: Minister highlights role of religious minorities
The event was graced by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, as the chief guest. The seminar aimed to highlight the significant historical and contemporary contributions of religious minorities to the unity, development, and progress of Pakistan.
In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora remarked that religious minorities in Pakistan are like vibrant colors in the bouquet of our nation, completing its beauty and harmony.
According to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we are all equal citizens. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is transforming this vision into reality through inclusive and historic reforms.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by minorities during the Pakistan Movement and acknowledged the contributions of individuals from minority communities in fostering education, political engagement, social harmony, and national progress.
Ramen Arora also elaborated on several key initiatives currently being undertaken by the Punjab government for minority communities, including:
Construction, renovation, and expansion of religious sites belonging to minority groups, Educational scholarships for deserving minority students, Legislative reforms for the protection of minority rights and Cultural and training programs to promote interfaith harmony.
Mufti Ashiq Hussain emphasized the importance of interfaith unity and stated that Islam teaches respect for all communities. The development of Pakistan is only possible when we embrace diversity with open hearts. Macdonald Chandi, a well-known Christian community leader, appreciated the provincial government's outreach:
Dr Majeed Able, added that the role of minorities in the Pakistan Movement has been understated in our textbooks. It's time to give rightful space to these heroes of history.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
Balochistan March will reach Islamabad if talks fail: JI chief
LAHORE: Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has said that the ongoing erosion of democratic values in the country is deeply alarming, warning that the state's persistent reliance on force to address political and constitutional issues only fuels instability. Addressing participants of the 'Haq Do Balochistan Ko Long March' outside the Lahore Press Club on Thursday, he stated that to prevent a major confrontation and avoid sending a negative message from Punjab to Balochistan, Jamaat-e-Islami opted for negotiations. However, he made it clear that if the federal government's negotiating committee fails to accept the demands of the march, he will personally join Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman in leading the caravan to Islamabad, accompanied by JI workers and supporters from across Punjab. Talking to reporters; Rehman urged the ruling elite to end injustice against the people of Balochistan, form a commission to address the issue of missing persons, and recognize the rightful claim of the province's people over their natural resources and minerals. He demanded the opening of border trade with Iran and called on the government to complete the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project without succumbing to U.S. pressure. He criticized the hypocrisy of powerful people that preach constitutionalism while themselves violating the Constitution. 'Those responsible for extrajudicial killings cannot teach others about the rule of law,' he said. 'Stop insulting the people of Balochistan in the name of security. Give respect to the Baloch. Rulers have no authority to distribute certificates of patriotism or treason.' JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem and JI Balochistan Chief Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman also addressed the gathering. Other prominent leaders present included JI Punjab (Central) chief Javed Kasuri, JI Lahore head Ziauddin Ansari Advocate, Central Information Secretary Shakeel Turabi, and several others. Leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami's Women's Wing also joined the sit-in in solidarity, with Secretary General Dr. Humaira Tariq addressing the crowd. Criticizing the Punjab government's handling of the Long March, Rehman highlighted the stark contrast between the warm reception of the march by ordinary citizens from Fort Munro to Lahore, and the state's attempts to block a peaceful, democratic protest. 'Jamaat-e-Islami chose the path of dialogue to prevent any negative fallout, but dismantling police blockades would not have been difficult for us,' he said. 'Our history testifies that we have never surrendered before tyranny.' He added that despite the government's unparalleled incompetence, Jamaat-e-Islami decided to avoid exposing them further for the sake of national unity. 'For us, Pakistan is like a mosque — sacred and indivisible. We will not allow harm to come to it under any circumstances.' In response to a question; Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman called on the federal government to fulfill its commitment, form the promised committee, and accept the legitimate demands of the march. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami will never compromise on the constitutional and democratic rights of the people. Expressing satisfaction over the growing awareness, he said the very presence of Baloch citizens in Lahore raising their voice is the result of Jamaat-e-Islami's struggle. He announced that in November, Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman will address a massive gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan during the Jamaat's All Pakistan Ijtema. He said the Form-47 rulers — representing elite impositions — have been thrust upon both Punjab and Balochistan. 'This systematic suppression of democratic norms must end. Problems solved through force don't bring peace — they breed resistance.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
33 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
May 9 riots: Omar, Shibli among over 100 convicted by ATC
FAISALABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Thursday sentenced more than 100 members of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to prison terms on charges related to riots that targeted military sites in 2023, a court order said. Fifty-eight of the defendants, who included parliamentarians and senior officials, were sentenced to 10 years in prison and the rest were given sentences ranging from one to three years, the court said. The accused include Omar Ayub Khan and Shibli Faraz, the leaders of Khan's opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) in the lower and upper houses of parliament respectively, the court order seen by Reuters read. 'The prosecution has proved its case against the accused without a shadow of doubt,' it said in announcing the sentences. Khan, who has been in prison since 2023 facing charges of corruption, land fraud and disclosure of official secrets, is being tried separately on similar charges related to the riot. The government accuses him and other leaders of inciting the May 9, 2023, protests, during which demonstrators attacked military and government buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi. He denies wrongdoing and says all the cases are politically motivated as part of a military-backed crackdown to dismantle his party. The military denies it. Khan's arrest had prompted the countrywide violent protests. Thursday's ruling does not directly affect the incitement case against him in which prosecution is still presenting witnesses. The PTI party said it will challenge the verdict. The ruling is the third such mass conviction this month; Khan's party says they have included at least 14 of its parliamentarians. They will lose their seats in parliament under Pakistani laws, which will shred Khan's opposition party's strength. Another 77 were acquitted for lack of evidence in the latest verdict, which is linked to an attack on the office of an intelligence agency in eastern city of Faisalabad, the court said. The party plans new protests starting on August 5, the second anniversary of Khan's jailing, to demand his release. Reuters INP adds: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad sentenced several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders — including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul — to 10 years in prison over their involvement in cases related to the May 9, 2023, violence. Strict security arrangements were made both inside and outside the court to avoid any untoward incidents. In the case related to the attack on a sensitive institution, the court awarded punishments to 108 out of 185 accused, while the rest were acquitted. The court sentenced Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul to 10 years in prison. Member of the National Assembly Sahibzada Hamid Raza was also sentenced to 10 years in jail. Junaid Afzal Sahi received a 3-year prison sentence, which is the shortest sentence given by the court. The Faisalabad ATC acquitted Fawad Chaudhry, and Zain Qureshi, the son of Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 75 others in the cases. In a separate case registered at Ghulam Muhammadabad Police Station, the court sentenced 60 individuals, while 7 of the 67 accused were acquitted.
Business Recorder
33 minutes ago
- Business Recorder
PM explains Pakistan's anti-terror plan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eradicating terrorism, citing the country's internationally recognised counterterrorism strategy and urging stronger coordination across government agencies. Chairing a high-level meeting of the Steering Committee on Counter-Terrorism and Establishment of State Authority – referred to as the 'Harden the State' initiative – Sharif was joined by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, senior military officials, and federal and provincial ministers. The meeting focused on strengthening national institutions and addressing threats posed by extremist groups labelled by the government as 'Fitna-al-Hindustan and Fitna-al-Khawarij'. These terms, part of a broader psychological and semantic campaign, are used to delegitimise insurgent and terrorist actors. 'Our resolve to root out terrorism remains unshaken,' Sharif said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. 'The world recognises Pakistan's successful operations against terrorist elements, and we shall continue to build on this momentum.' The government's strategy, described as 'comprehensive, effective and workable,' includes a blend of military action, legislative reform, and public engagement aimed at dismantling extremist networks. Sharif cited operations such as Radd-ul-Fasaad and Zarb-e-Azb as 'historic victories' that have gained international recognition. He called for effective coordination between federal and provincial authorities and directed full implementation of the committee's recommendations. The prime minister emphasised the importance of ground operations, legal instruments, and efforts to combat extremist narratives in the public sphere. Sharif also paid tribute to the country's armed forces and law enforcement agencies, calling them 'a source of pride for the entire nation.' In addition to terrorism, the committee reviewed other internal security concerns, including the smuggling of goods and the presence of undocumented immigrants. Sharif reported progress in curbing smuggling and noted that these efforts were contributing positively to Pakistan's economic outlook. He also confirmed the ongoing repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, in line with international law. 'Only a terror-free, peaceful, and strong state structure can restore international investor confidence,' Sharif said. He linked recent security gains to economic reforms, pointing to increased digitisation, tax system improvements, a record surge in the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and improved global credit ratings as indicators of renewed investor trust. Among those in attendance were Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Security Adviser and ISI Director General Lt Gen Asim Malik, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, as well as chief secretaries, police chiefs, and senior officials from across the provinces. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
