ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said the government was committed to the welfare of minorities and took a number of practical steps in this regard.
Addressing a function organized by All Pakistan Minorities Alliance on first death anniversary of Shahbaz Bhatti here at Convention Centre, the Prime Minister said reservation of four seats for minorities in Senate and reservation of 5 percent quota in government jobs for them are some of the achievements of the government to ensure equal rights to the minorities.
He said late Shahbaz Bhatti contributed a lot for the cause and rights of his people and his struggle for his people is memorable. The Prime Minister said it was also the contribution of Shahbaz Bhatti to declare 11th August, as Minority Day and the government decided to celebrate religious functions at official level.
He said prayer rooms have been established in all prisons of Pakistan and vernacular name of Christians was changed from Essahi to Masihi on the suggestion of Shahbaz Bhatti.
The Prime Minister said people have hopes from democracy adding "I also believe that with the message of interfaith harmony going across, we will be able to eliminate the impact of extremism successfully and emerge as a stronger and prosperous nation".
Referring to the role of religious scholars, the Prime Minister said, "I must appreciate the role of the scholars of different faiths who have consistently professed and practised the ideals of integrity and harmony within the Pakistan."
He appreciated the efforts and contribution of all the political forces, religious scholars and leaders of different faiths to make sincere efforts for better and stable Pakistan.
Gilani said, "I hope you will continue to contribute and promote national harmony to build a much stronger and more tolerant Pakistan, which should be our collective cherished goal."
He also called upon every one to pledge to collectively struggle for the betterment of society and welfare of the people of this country.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Shahbaz Bhatti for his struggle for the empowerment of the minorities.
He said Shahbaz Bhatti could have saved his life but did not compromise on principles.
"Late Shahbaz Bhatti was a committed member of Pakistan People's Party who had unflinching faith in Pakistan under the dynamic leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto," he added.
Gilani said Dr. Shahbaz Bhatti was a great supporter of interfaith harmony, religious freedom, religious tolerance, and equal rights for the minorities.
The Prime Minister said Shahbaz Bhatti launched country-wide campaign for interfaith harmony to bring peace in the country and he was a strong believer in the ideals of human dignity.
Gilani said the democratic government of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has a great honour of being the "Party of Shaheeds" as it has made sacrifices for the restoration of democracy and struggled continuously for the rights of the people of Pakistan.
He said the establishment of an egalitarian and welfare society has always been the endeavour of the Pakistan People's Party adding "We have never compromised on these principles".
The Prime Minister said Shaheed Zulifkar Ali Bhutto had sacrificed his life for espousing the cause of democracy and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto also followed her illustrious father and laid down her life for espousing the cause of the poorest of the poor.
He said the life and work of late Shahbaz Bhatti reflects the vision of founding father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Gilani said the Quaid made a solemn pledge in categorical terms that policy of equality, freedom and security for all minorities shall be followed in the state of Pakistan.
He said the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his first speech to the Constituent Assembly, on 11th August, 1947 had issued the first charter for rights of minorities and the present government was following it in true spirit.
The Prime Minister said today, the country is at a juncture where it is confronted with multi-dimensional threats of terrorism, extremism, and intolerance.
He said there is an urgent need to remove distrust and misunderstandings among the followers of different religions for fostering greater understanding, tolerance and respect for all.
He said, "All religions teach us great values like tolerance, accommodation, peaceful co-existence, equality and respect for rights of the people without any discrimination."
He said the government was fully committed to the sacred principles of peaceful co-existence, tolerance an equality to make Pakistan a shining example of interfaith harmony.
"This is exactly the goal which is in accord with vision of our great leader Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah," he added.
Referring to the creation of the new Ministry of National Harmony at federal level, he said it is one step to promote harmony among different faiths and religions.
He said the Ministry of National Harmony has been mandated to actively engage in dialogue with scholars and leaders of all faiths to develop the national policy.
He said, "My Government has proposed interfaith coordination as a practical and long-term response to attain peace on sustainable basis."
The Prime Minister said, "We are making all-out efforts to impart the sense of equal citizenship so far as fundamental rights pertaining to safety, security, honour, life, liberty and properties of the Minorities are concerned."
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistani Farooq Sattar, Advisor to Prime Minister on National Harmony Dr. Paul Bhatti, Senator Kamran Michael, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, Bishop Alexander John Malik, representative of minorities from different parts of the country besides Ambassador of Holy Sea to Pakistan also spoke on this occasion and appreciated the contribution of Shahbaz Bhatti for the Christian community.
The Prime Minister was awarded Award of Peace by the Christian community for his services and measures taken for their welfare.
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