Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif addressed the participants of a special ceremony held on National Minorities Day on Tuesday in Islamabad, emphasising their role in the independence of the country.
“Minorities played a great part in the independence of Pakistan,” the PM said. He further added that ‘we have great respect for our minorities.’
PM Shehbaz Sharif further praised Pakistan’s minority communities for their role in the country’s development.
He highlighted their contributions to education, national development, defence and the judiciary.
Speaking at the National Minorities Day ceremony, the prime minister said the services and sacrifices of minority communities are an important part of Pakistan’s history.
PM Shehbaz said Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Parsi communities played an important role alongside Quaid-e-Azam in the creation of Pakistan.
He also recalled Quaid-e-Azam’s historic speech on August 11, 1947. He said Quaid-e-Azam had stated that all citizens were free to visit their mosques, temples and gurdwaras. The prime minister said all Pakistanis have equal rights regardless of their religion.
‘Makkah Defence Pact to promote peace’
Yesterday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the Makkah Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is not against any country. He made the remarks while speaking at a cabinet meeting.
The PM said that the defence agreement was the result of years of efforts. He said its purpose is to promote peace, security and prosperity in the region.
He said work on the agreement had been going on for a long time. It has now been put into action.
Shehbaz Sharif said defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not new.
The two countries also signed a defence agreement last year. He said the new agreement will further strengthen their defence ties.
The prime minister also spoke about the long friendship between Pakistan and Turkiye. He said the two countries have worked together in defence, trade, the economy and other areas. He added that both countries want to further improve their cooperation.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye agreement
Shehbaz Sharif said the agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye is not meant to target or attack any third country.
Its main purpose is to improve defence cooperation and support peace and security in the region.
The prime minister also praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their role in completing the agreement.