ISLAMABAD, Dec 20: The government was urged to omit the column of religion from the passports on the plea that it was something discriminatory. The demand was made by speakers including Federal Minister Tri Dev Roy, at an inter-faith dinner organized by the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (Apma), which brought together politicians, intellectuals, scholars and representatives of minorities belonging to various faiths. A large number of diplomats also attended the dinner.

The speakers called for equal rights for minorities and abolishment of discriminatory laws.

Vice Chairman People’s Party Parliamentarians Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said it was imperative to give rights to minorities to achieve the goal of emerging as a nation.

He said there was a sense of deprivation among the smaller provinces as well. “The small provinces want nothing else but equal rights,” he remarked. He said the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) was committed to restoring 1973 constitution in its original form.

He alleged that the previous general elections, Local Bodies polls as well as Presidential polls were rigged. He claimed that even his vote was polled in favour of General Pervez Musharraf while he was behind the bars.

He said “We have to cease the boundaries of social and ethnic discrimination for a prosperous and stronger Pakistan. True democratic culture can restore the human dignity and honour of the less privileged people.” He asked the democratic forces to join hands for restoration of democracy, protecting the peoples’ right and making Pakistan a democratic and progressive country.

The Ambassador of Holy See Adolfo Tito Yllana said that the promotion of inter-faith harmony, understanding, cooperation and unity among different religions is the need of the time. “Christmas gives us a special message of peace, brotherhood, compassion and love for all mankind.”

Shahbaz Bhatti, Chairman, All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA) announced to launch a country-wide campaign for inter- faith harmony and human equality.

He said that Apma was striving to promote the culture of tolerance, peace and interfaith harmony in the country. It is striving to uplift and empower the oppressed and marginalized sections of the society.

He announced that APMA will celebrate Eid, Dewali and other religious events with the followers of other religions for cementing the interfaith harmony.

He said that the government should announce official celebrations and Holidays on all the main religious festivals of Minorities. He asked the legislators to introduce legislative reforms against the discriminatory laws and articles of the constitution.

Raja Tridev Roy, Federal Minister, who represented Budhist community at the function proposed a full-fledged minority commission under the chairmanship of serving or retired Judge of the Supreme Court to recommend ways and means to create inter-faith harmony.

He said the Chairman of the proposed Commission should have financial as welll as judicial autonomy.

Behram D Avari while representing Parsi community said theatre should be no column of religion in the passport. “There should be no discrimination on the basis of colour, caste and creed. This is the basis for creating inter-faith harmony in the country”, he remarked.

Haji Adeel, Vice President ANP also stressed that there should be no discrimination on the basis of religion. He was of the view that the Constitution should be amended to allow non-Muslims to become President, Prime Minister and Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan.

PPP senator Dr. Farhatullah Babar read out the special message of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in which she highlighted the need for creating inter-faith harmony.

Representative of Hindu community from Sindh, Advocate Perkash said religious minorities in Pakistan always aspired for peace. He assured of the support of Hindu community to Apma in the struggle for minority rights, peace and prosperous Pakistan .

Representative of Sikh community Sardar Ram Sing said that interfaith harmony can defuse extremism and enmities.

Khateeb of Badshahi Masjid Lahore Maulana Azad, Bishop Anthony Lobo, Secretary general Catholic Bishops Conference, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, secretary General of PPP. Students of Presentation Convent attired in colourful dresses presented tableau to highlight the message of peace.

The guests were received by Santa Claus who also went to their tables to serve sweets to them.

Banners with slogans slike “join hands for interfaith harmony”, “interfaith harmony is the path to heal the sufferings of humanity” and “ humanity binds us together” were displayed in the hall.