PRIME Minister Nawaz Sharif has said Pakistan will soon be known as a minority-friendly country. This is every citizen’s aspiration.

Religious minorities have been facing severe discrimination in our country for many decades in an environment of deep despair, fear and terror.

Muslims are in a majority, so it is their religious obligation to protect the rights of all minorities of the country as the Holy Prophet ( peace be upon him) had set an example of tolerance, non-violence, peace and love of the humanity after taking Makkah and establishing a Muslim state in Madinah.

The non-Muslim population of Pakistan is nearly less than five per cent while Hindus, Christians and Ahmadis make up four million each.

They have been contributing to the development and progress of Pakistan in every walk of life.

Many Christians have served in Pakistan’s armed forces, civilian services and other organisations. The first Nobel Prize-winning scientist of Pakistan, Dr Abdus Salam, belonged to the Ahmedia community.

Former chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Rana Bhagwandas and famous fashion-designer Deepak Perwani represent the Hindu community.

A long spell of terrorism and extremism has destroyed the culture of love for all and hatred for none in our society. Being a Pakistani, I consider it my duty to respect different faiths, beliefs and religions. I strongly urge the prime minister to focus outside statements to devise and nurture a comprehensive policy to establish Pakistan’s identity as a minority-friendly country.

Engr Mansoor Ahmed

Faisalabad

Published in Dawn January 18th, 2017