ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called on religious minorities and the Muslim majority to join hands for the country’s development, saying all citizens enjoyed equal rights under the Constitution in keeping with Jinnah’s vision.
Speaking at a ceremony marking National Minorities Day, the prime minister paid tribute to the contributions of minority communities to the creation and development of Pakistan.
“Pakistan’s development and prosperity requires all of us to work together without discrimination on the basis of religion,” he added.
He said Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Parsis and members of other minority communities had contributed to the Pakistan Movement and to the country’s progress in various fields.
Referring to Jinnah’s August 11, 1947, address to the Constituent Assembly, the prime minister said the Constitution guaranteed equal rights to all Pakistanis.
He particularly highlighted the Christian community’s contribution to education, recalling that he and his siblings had received their early education at Christian schools.
He also paid tribute to prominent minority figures, including Air Commodore Cecil Chaudhry, Justice AR Cornelius, Jogendra Nath Mandal, SL Gibbs and SP Singha.
The prime minister said members of minority communities had also served in the armed forces, making sacrifices during the country’s wars and the fight against terrorism.
He called for greater investment in young people and modern education to help Pakistan strengthen its standing in the international community.
“Keeping the objectives of Pakistan in view, we have to move forward and secure for the country its rightful place among the comity of nations,” he added.
Sharif also touched on the recently signed defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, saying it was not directed against any country.
He said the agreement was aimed at promoting peace, development and prosperity, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousuf said the government was taking measures for the welfare and protection of religious minorities.
He said the Constitution guaranteed minority rights and claimed that places of worship had been provided “foolproof” security.
He also cited educational scholarships and financial assistance for minority communities, saying 10 religious festivals were being observed at the official level.
Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani said the government was working on legislation concerning minority personal laws.
He described the Sikh Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act as important developments and said work was under way on a Christian Marriage Act.
At the ceremony, the prime minister presented awards and honours to members of minority communities in recognition of their services to the country.
The event was attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians, religious clerics and prominent members of minority communities from across the country.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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