Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday reaffirmed the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and religious freedoms of minority communities, describing them as equal citizens and indispensable partners in Sindh’s social, cultural and economic development.
Addressing the National Minorities Day ceremony held at the Arts Council, the Chief Minister said that the observance of 11 August was not merely a commemoration of an important date in Pakistan’s history but a reaffirmation of the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who envisioned a state where every citizen, irrespective of religion, caste or creed, would enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
‘Today, as we observe National Minorities Day, we gather not only to commemorate an important date in our national history but also to celebrate the rich diversity, shared heritage and enduring spirit of unity that define Sindh, ‘ the Chief Minister said.
He noted that Sindh, home to more than 55 million people, derives its strength from its diversity and pluralistic traditions.
‘Our non-Muslim communities, constituting nearly ten per cent of Sindh’s population, are an integral part of our identity and equal partners in our journey toward progress and prosperity, ‘ he said.
Recalling Quaid-e-Azam’s historic address to the Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947, the Chief Minister said the founding father’s message remained as relevant today as it was at the birth of the nation. ‘His vision was clear and timeless: every citizen of Pakistan is equal before the law and free to practice, profess and preserve their faith without fear or discrimination. That vision continues to guide our policies and institutions, ‘ he said.
Syed Murad Ali Shah stressed that the rights of minority communities were not a favour bestowed by any government but constitutionally guaranteed rights that must be protected and upheld at all levels. He said the Sindh government had consistently worked to translate the ideals of equality, inclusion and religious freedom into practical measures benefiting minority citizens across the province.
Highlighting government initiatives, the Chief Minister said the Minority Affairs Department was implementing programmes aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of minority communities, including educational scholarships for deserving students, marriage grants, financial assistance for vulnerable families, support for religious and cultural activities, and development projects in minority-populated areas.
Shah said the Sindh government was also investing in the restoration, renovation and preservation of temples, churches, gurdwaras and other places of worship to protect the province’s rich cultural and religious heritage. ‘Every citizen has the right to worship freely and live in peace, and it is our responsibility to safeguard that right, ‘ he added.
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of fostering interfaith harmony and mutual respect among future generations. He noted that the provincial government had taken steps to promote greater understanding of different faiths and cultures through education and awareness initiatives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and tolerance.
Paying tribute to the contributions of minority communities, Syed Murad Ali Shah said their services to Pakistan and Sindh spanned every field of national life, including education, healthcare, public service, business, industry, literature, sports, arts and philanthropy.
‘From education and healthcare to public service, business, sports, arts and culture, our minority citizens have played a vital role in shaping the progress of Sindh and Pakistan. Their contributions enrich our society and strengthen our collective future, ‘ he said.
The Chief Minister also praised the recipients of the Pride of Minority Awards, presented during the ceremony to individuals from minority communities in recognition of their outstanding achievements and dedicated service to society.
‘These remarkable individuals demonstrate that talent, leadership, patriotism and service to humanity transcend all religious and communal distinctions. We salute their accomplishments and thank them for inspiring future generations, ‘ he said.
Emphasising Sindh’s centuries-old traditions of tolerance and coexistence, the Chief Minister said the province had always been a land where people of different faiths and backgrounds lived together with mutual respect. ‘The strength of Sindh lies in its diversity. Our different faiths and traditions are not divisions; they are sources of enrichment that strengthen the social fabric of our society, ‘ he said.
He acknowledged that while significant progress had been achieved, more work remained to be done. The Sindh government, he added, would continue expanding opportunities for minority communities, strengthening institutional support mechanisms, and allocating resources for education, empowerment, social welfare and economic inclusion programmes.
‘I assure you that the Sindh government will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with every community and work tirelessly to build a society where every citizen enjoys equal rights, equal opportunities and equal respect, ‘ he said.
Calling upon all segments of society to renew their commitment to the founding ideals of Pakistan, the Chief Minister urged citizens to work collectively for a future based on equal citizenship, religious freedom, social justice and human dignity.
‘Together, let us continue building a Sindh where every individual, regardless of faith or background, can live with dignity,
security, opportunity and hope, ‘ he concluded.
Earlier, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Minority Affairs, Dr Sham Sundar, highlighted the government’s initiatives for the welfare, protection and empowerment of minority communities. He added that the PPP Chairman has consistently emphasised interfaith and religious harmony and farsightedness.
Sham Sundar said that the Minorities Department has established complaint cells in Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur and Larkana.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of commemorative shields and certificates to civil society representatives belonging to minority communities in recognition of their dedicated services and contributions toward minority welfare, followed by a high tea attended by distinguished guests, diplomats, religious leaders and community representatives.
