ISLAMABAD: Prime Minis­ter Nawaz Sharif said on Sunday that his government was driven by the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in protecting the rights of the minorities.

In his message on the Minorities Day being observed on Aug 11, he said that observance of the day was an occasion to recognise the distinguished role played by the minorities in nation-building and sacrifices rendered by them. The day renews our commitment to protect their rights and promote national harmony among various faiths, he added.

The prime minister said the Quaid’s vision was contained in his historic speech on this day in 1947 that laid down the foundation of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan in which everyone would have equal rights regardless of creed and gender.

He said the Quaid-i-Azam’s vision was embodied in the 1973 Constitution that envisioned minorities to freely profess and practise their religion and culture.

Inspired by this vision the government of Pakistan observes August 11 each year as the minorities’ day to reiterate the need for integrating people of all faiths in the national mainstream.

The premier said the government had reserved 5 per cent job quota for minorities in government services and kept seats for them in the Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies. Their religious festivals are celebrated at the official level.

“This day also provides us a chance to reaffirm our commitment to work hard for the betterment of humanity and for a prosperous Pakistan,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2014