Prime Minister Imran Khan says the government will continue to protect rights of minorities and ensure equal opportunities for them to participate in national life while talking to a delegation of Bishops in Islamabad today. pic.twitter.com/6Ohu9j7skW — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) October 9, 2018

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday assured country’s Christian community that incumbent government would protect “at every cost” all the rights the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees to them.This came during a meeting with the delegation of Bishops from various churches of Pakistan who called on PM at his office.The delegation felicitated the PM on assuming office saying the Christian community would become strength for the PM in translating his vision into reality.Imran stated that the Constitution provides equal rights to all citizens irrespective of cast, colour or creed and the government would continue to protect rights of the minorities and ensure equal opportunities to participate in national life.The PM also acknowledged and appreciated the services of non-Muslim communities especially the Christian community in various fields including education, health and social welfare.He emphasised upon the need for promoting inter-faith harmony and working hand-in-hand for the development and prosperity of the country.The delegation apprised the PM regarding some issues concerning the Christian community and also put forth certain suggestions for promoting inter-faith harmony and addressing the issues faced by the monitories.The delegation thanked the PM for meeting them and assured fullest support towards development agenda of the government.The delegation comprised Bishop Irfan Jamil (Lahore), Bishop Alwin Samuel (Sialkot), Arch Bishop Arshad Joseph (Islamabad), Arch Bishop Sebastian Shah (Lahore), Dr Rev Qaiser Tulles (Lahore), Dr Liaqat Qaiser (Lahore), Bishop Leo Paul (Multan), Anthony Lamuel, General Secretary Pakistan Bible Society, Jennifer Jaq Jiwan, ex-Director Christian Study Center, Dr Jamil Nasir representative of Penticostal Churches and Rubina Feroz.Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Shunila Ruth was also present during the meeting.She told The Express Tribune that the delegation had suggested the PM to include special chapters about inter-faith harmony in schools syllabus.Ruth said the issues related to nationalisation of several schools, colleges and other properties of the Christian community also came under discussion. She said it was a positive meeting where Imran assured his government’s all out support for country’s Christian community.