Advisor to Prime Minster, Dr Paul Bhatti has said minorities in Pakistan have suffered following unrest, terrorism and poverty in the country and international community should play its role to support them. Kashmir issue, Afghan war, terrorism, unstable governments in the past, poverty and illiteracy have hit the minorities hard, he said while addressing Walton Park Conference on "Promotion of Religious Freedom around the world" in London, said a news release issued here on Saturday.
Paul Bhatti said the condition of religious minorities could be improved by promoting their rights, ensuring life safety, imparting education, providing legal support, security, real protection of the freedom and rights of citizenship through interfaith harmony dialogue. "All this will be possible if democratic institutions are stabilised in Pakistan leading to create a society where peace, religious freedom, civil co-existence and human dignity are respected", he added.
Talking about steps taken by the government for the minorities in Pakistan, he said, four seats had been reserved for minorities in Senate, five percent quota had been fixed in government jobs and August 11 had been declared as minority day. The scholars, policy makers and religious leaders participated in the conference aim to build new partnerships among Governments, NGOs and religious communities to develop practical proposals for global promotion and support of freedom of religion and beliefs, he added. The presence of Dr Paul Bhatti in the conference, approved by the Prime Minister, provided an opportunity to enhance the soft and progressive image of Pakistan.
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