Constitution ensures cultural, religious freedom

ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri Wednesday said the constitution of Pakistan ensures cultural, religious and economic freedom to all citizens including minorities living in Pakistan.

He expressed these views while addressing a minority youth delegation which met him under the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Member Provincial Assembly Wazir Zada at Parliament House.

The delegation comprised of Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Kalash belonging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said all citizens in Pakistan enjoy equal rights irrespective of their beliefs and cultural differences.

He said Pakistan is home to different cultures and people of diverse religions live peacefully.

The deputy speaker said the role of minorities in the socioeconomic development of the country is of crucial importance and they are serving the nation in all spheres of life.

He stressed the need to work hard consistently for eradicating the social evils like poverty, ignorance and economic deprivation from the society.

He appreciated the unity of all members of the society especially minorities during recent escalation with India.

He expressed his commitment that all due rights will be provided to minorities.

He said region needs peace and stability not war mongering. “Our real challenges are economic deprivation, ignorance and hunger and we need to tackle them at all cost,” he added.

Qasim Suri said Modi regime in India is bent on creating mayhem and destruction in the region just for winning election.

He said India is using cheap tactics to divert the attention of its public from real issues.

However, the response of the incumbent leadership under Prime Minister Imran Khan was of restraint and Pakistan made clear that it wanted peace and prosperity in the region not war and conflict.

He appreciated the role of minorities in all socioeconomic domains.

The delegation members commended the present government’s efforts for inclusion of the minorities in all socioeconomic activities.

National Assembly Additional Secretary Muhammad Mushtaq briefed the delegation regarding articles of the constitution which were related to the basic rights of the minorities and formation and function of National Assembly and its standing committees.