Karachi:
The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously approved a resolution to commemorate the National Minority Day, with the Treasury and Opposition leaders who affirm that the Constitution guarantees full protection to minorities in Sindh and in all Pakistan.
The measure, taken three days before Independence Day, was described as a reaffirmation that each citizen is sure of the freedom of religion and security of life and property.
The session, held in the old assembly building under the chair of the speaker Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by Vice President Naveed Anthony. Previously, the Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, had successfully sought the suspension of other procedures to allow the debate about the motion.
Speaking in favor, Prime Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the historical role of the Assembly by approving the 1943 resolution in favor of Pakistan and organizing the discourse of Quaid-E-Azam of 1947. He said that observing the day of minorities before the day of independence stressed the guarantee of religious freedom and protection for all citizens.
He observed the main role of Sindh to join Pakistan, adding that his representatives would continue to contribute to the country’s unity and survival. Referring to the commitment of Quaid-E-Azam to safeguard minorities, Shah cited contributions from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also raised the national flag in the Assembly Hall.
The opposition leader, Ali Khursheedi, supported the resolution, urging all parties to respect his spirit. He warned against sectarian and ethnic prejudice, and highlighted the need for serious attention to public security problems.
Lanjar announced plans to establish minority desks headed by SSP level officers at the Sindh Police headquarters and the IG office.
The local government minister, Saeed Ghani, said that the protection of non -Muslims dates back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the rehydun caliphate. He stressed that Islam prohibits damage to non -Muslims, adding that minorities in their constituency are treated with respect.
Vice President Anthony pointed out that former President Asif Ali Zarari had started the National Minority Day in 2009, remembering Quaid-E-Azam speech on August 11, 1947 in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white line. He proposed that the constitutional term ‘minority’ be eliminated to reflect equality.
Former speaker Agha Siraj Durrani emphasized that the term is a constitutional provision that could only be changed in the National Assembly, and highlighted the history of the PPP by granting minorities more than five percent of government works. Shah speaker announced that a symbolic session will take place on August 14, inviting special children as guests.
Taha Ahmed Khan De MQM, Shabbir Qureshi of PTI and Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed of MQM also supported the resolution. MQM members requested the constitutional elimination of the term ‘minority’ and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said minorities enjoy all facilities in Pakistan, unlike India.
The camera unanimously approved the resolution before postponing the session.
