LAHORE

It is the responsibility of the state to ensure protection and safety to minorities living in an Islamic country and non-Muslim Pakistanis should not feel threatened from any individual, organisation and specific community as Islam is guarantor of protection of rights of minorities residing in Muslim majority country, said Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi.

Addressing a seminar, "Interfaith dialogue and responsibilities of religious leadership" here on Friday in Youhannabad, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi stated that all the sections of society and national institutions should ensure implementation on Constitution of Pakistan for stability of country.

Notable religious leadership, including Maulana Muhammad Ayub Safdar, Maulana Abdul Hameed Wattoo, Allama Tahir-ul-Hassan, Maulana Zubair Zahid, Maulana Ghulam Ullah Khan, Pastor Emanuel Khokhar and Allama Niaz Hussain Naqvi also addressed at the seminar.

The participants emphasised that Constitution of Pakistan has categorically defined rights of Muslims as well as non-Muslim population of the country.

ETPB: The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) on Friday observed August 11 as Minority Day.

A large number of minority community members from various religions also attended the ceremony. Speakers on the occasion said August 11 had significant importance which highlighted that minorities of the country had equal rights in Pakistan. They are equal citizens and playing a key role in the development of the country, they added.

function: Leaders of minorities Friday paid tribute to their heroes who had participated in the Pakistan Movement and stood side by side with Founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Provincial Human Rights Department arranged a function regarding celebrations of 11th August as Minorities Day at Aiwan-e-Iqbal.

Federal Minister Kamran Michael, Minorities MPA Kanji Ram, MPA Shahzad Munshi, MPA Ramaish Singh Arora, parliamentary secretary Barnaad Johnson, Secretary Human Rights Asim Iqbal, Deputy Secretary HR Syed Hammad Shah, Bishop Shahid Mairaj, Bishop Doctor Majeed Abel, Bishop Arshad Jan, civil society and all minorities representatives were present on the occasion.

The minority leaders paid tribute to their heroes. They said they are much safer in Pakistan as compared to other countries. Provincial Minister for Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that 11th August reminds us that how our elders sacrificed their lives for a free country. He also paid tribute to late Shahbaz Bhatti and said his services would always be remembered.

The minister said the Punjab government had assured 5 percent quota for minorities in government jobs from grade 1 to grade 17. He said the government has ordered six months relief in punishment of minorities prisoners on Christmas and Eid.

Federal Minister Kamran Michael said we are in minorities but when talk about love for Pakistan we are one as a nation. He said the government is keen to protect minorities rights. The participants paid tribute to minorities heroes and offered special Dua for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

Human Rights Minister Khalil Tahir Sandhu also awarded those persons who have been working for protection of human rights.

At the end of the event, the participants demanded that the speeches of Quaid-e-Azam made on 11th August be included in syllabus and Constitution of Pakistan.