Islamabad: Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan’s minority communities had played a significant and commendable role in the creation, development and progress of the country.
Addressing a ceremony held in connection with Minorities Day here at the Prime Minister’s House, observed on August 11, the prime minister said members of minority communities had rendered valuable services in various fields, particularly education, defence, law and public service.
He said the Christian community had made tremendous contributions to the education sector, recalling that he himself had studied at Cathedral School, while his elder brother Nawaz Sharif was educated at St. Anthony’s and his sister at the Convent of Jesus and Mary.
‘Being Muslims, we received our education from these institutions. It would be an injustice if we did not acknowledge the contributions of those who equipped us with the wealth of education and played their part in Pakistan’s development and prosperity, ‘ he said.
The prime minister highlighted the sacrifices and services rendered by minority communities during Pakistan’s wars and in national life.
He particularly mentioned Air Commodore, Cecil Chaudhry and Justice A. R. Cornelius, saying that members of minority communities had demonstrated exemplary courage, dedication and commitment in serving the country.
He also recalled the contributions of leaders and personalities from minority communities who stood alongside millions of Muslims during the struggle for Pakistan and continued to contribute to the country’s development after independence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said the Sikh, Hindu and Parsi communities had also played an important role in the progress of Pakistan. He described the Parsi community as peaceful, and said its members had always lived in harmony and contributed positively to society.
He congratulated the organizers and representatives of minority communities on the occasion and stressed that Muslims and citizens belonging to minority communities must work together to make Pakistan a prosperous and developed country.
Quoting Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s verse, ‘An individual is nothing without connection with the nation; a wave is in the river, but outside it, it is nothing, ‘ the prime minister emphasized the importance of unity, solidarity and mutual bonds among the people.
He said Pakistan’s objectives included promoting education and health and equipping the younger generation with modern knowledge and skills so that the country could stand among the nations of the world with dignity and honour.
Referring to Pakistan’s recent agreement with Saudi Arabia and Trkiye, the prime minister said it was not directed against any country but aimed at promoting peace, security and prosperity.
He expressed hope that, amid the tense situation in the Gulf region, collective efforts would help end instability and establish lasting peace in the region.
The prime minister said the teachings of Islam, the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provided guidance for promoting peace, harmony and mutual respect.
He concluded by thanking the participants and reaffirming the message of unity and national solidarity, and underscored that all Pakistanis, regardless of faith, must work together for the country’s progress and prosperity.
