Minorities' protection bill to be tabled in NA soon

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for National Harmony Akram Masih Gill has said minorities' protection bill will soon be tabled in the National Assembly to introduce Marriage Registration Act for Sikh, Hindu, Parsi and Bhai communities in the country.

He expressed these views while talking to Australian High Commissioner Tim George who called on him here Thursday to discuss national harmony and minorities issues in Pakistan. Fiona Hamilton Second Secretary Political of Australian High Commission was also present on the occasion.

The Minister hailed the interest of the Australian Government for the welfare of minorities in Pakistan and government policy towards national harmony, adding, "Government of Pakistan is committed for uplift of minorities socially by economic empowerment and removing discriminatory actions against the non-Muslims aimed at providing them with equal opportunities of development."

Akram Gill said interfaith harmony is the top priority of the government to promote friendly relations between the Muslims and non Muslims in the country as interfaith harmony committees are being re-activated at district levels for the purpose.

He sought the help of Australian Government to provide clean drinking water to minorities' populated areas to establish skill training centers in order to empower them economically and set up rehabilitation centers for the drug addicted people to bring them towards normal life.

The Ambassador said scholarships will be ensured for the students of minorities and will talk at higher level to provide clean drinking water and establish skill centers for them.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011