PESHAWAR: Jamaat-i-Islami has urged the federal government to take pragmatic steps for protection to the rights of minorities by providing them with all basic facilities like other citizens in the country.

These views were expressed by JI provincial emir Mushtaq Ahmed Khan while speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday.

On the occasion, Tariq Sadiq Gill, a member of Christian community, and an independent member of Risalpur Cantonment Board, joined the JI.

Mr Ahmad welcomed the joining of JI by the member of minority community and promised his party would take all possible steps to resolve the problems of non-Muslims.

He demanded of the government to ensure protection of constitutional rights of the minorities and provide them facilities of education and health without any discrimination. He also asked for protection to the lives and worship places of minorities.

The JI leader said most of the problems the country facing presently were the result of rampant corruption, and added that eradication of the menace was a must for bright future of people.

Majority of the people, he said did not have access to clean drinking water and permanent residence facility, adding due to lack of basic facilities like natural gas, electricity and better infrastructure unrest among the people was fast increasing.

Commenting on Fata reforms, the JI leader said the federal government’s decision of mainstreaming Fata was commendable, and called for immediate integration of the tribal belt with the KP province.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2017