Protection of minorities' rights government's constitutional duty: Prime Minister

Felicitating the Christian community on the auspicious occasion of Christmas, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has reiterated the government's commitment to ensure the rights of minorities as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
"The Government of Pakistan regards the protection of rights of the minorities as its constitutional duty and is committed to their welfare. The Constitution of 1973 guarantees complete religious freedom, social justice, and equality of rights to the minorities," Gilani said in his message on the occasion of Christmas.
The prime minister said minorities are his constituency, adding, "they enjoy representation in the National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan." He said the implementation of 5 percent job quota is also being ensured in all the federal jobs for the minorities in addition to their participation in open merit. "On my instructions, the district administration is also going to arrange Christmas bazaars this year," he added. The prime minister said he has no doubt in his mind that minorities would continue to play their commendable role in the national development.