ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari called upon all Pakistanis to help build a society where every person can live with dignity, practise their faith without fear and express a different opinion without facing hatred or violence.
In a message on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance (16 November 2026), he said, “Our strength as a nation lies in our ability to live together with respect, united by our shared citizenship and our hopes for Pakistan.”
“Islam teaches compassion, justice and respect for human dignity. These values also find clear expression in the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In his historic address of 11 August 1947, he declared: We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State,” he added.
He said, “Article 25(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan gives this principle an unequivocal guarantee: All citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law. These words must guide the conduct of every public institution and be reflected in the daily experience of every citizen.”
He said, “Pakistan belongs equally to all its people. Our non-Muslim citizens have helped build this country through their service in education, healthcare, public life, the armed forces and countless other fields.
Their place in Pakistan rests on equal citizenship. Every child must feel safe in the classroom, every family secure in its neighbourhood and every worshipper protected in a place of worship. Equal citizenship must be a lived reality for every Pakistani.”
“Tolerance also requires us to respect differences of language, culture, belief and political opinion. In a democracy, disagreement must be met with reason and dialogue. We must be able to debate firmly while respecting one another’s dignity. A society grows stronger when people can speak, question and participate without fear,” he added.
He said, “The National Commission for Minorities Rights Act, 2025, the Policy on Interfaith Harmony, the Strategy of Religious Tolerance and the National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 provide important instruments for advancing these commitments. Their implementation must bring effective protection, timely remedies and accountability wherever rights are violated. Parliamentary forums concerned with minority rights must also help ensure that the voices and concerns of our minority communities are heard and addressed.”
He called upon religious scholars, community leaders, educators, the media and civil society to challenge prejudice and promote understanding.
“Parents and teachers have a special responsibility to nurture empathy in children and help them appreciate Pakistan’s religious and cultural diversity. Our young people must bring the same respect to their conduct online, where a careless accusation or a hateful message can endanger lives,” he stressed.
“Public institutions must act impartially and firmly against discrimination, intimidation and incitement to violence. No individual or group can be allowed to use religion to justify persecution or take the law into its own hands. No Pakistani should have to live in fear because of who they are or what they believe,” he added.
The President said, “On this day, let us renew our commitment to a Pakistan where differences are respected, rights are protected and every citizen has an equal sense of belonging. Through justice, compassion and mutual respect, we can build a more peaceful and united country for generations to come.”
“May Allah Almighty guide us in this endeavour and bless Pakistan with lasting peace and prosperity. Ameen! Pakistan Zindabad,” he concluded.
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