AFTER Pakistan’s inception in 1947, the Quaid-i-Azam, while addressing the Constituent Assembly, stated that the religion, caste or creed of a citizen had nothing to do with the business of the state. However, it is sad to see that the recent killing of people belonging to minority communities in Quetta paints a picture quite contrary to what Jinnah had envisioned for Pakistan.

For any country to be progressive, all members of society should be treated equally. It is sad to see the alarming number of atrocities against minorities in Pakistan.

The authorities concerned must take strict measures against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes not just in Quetta, but all over Pakistan. We must make Pakistan safe for all citizens that belong to differing faiths, as only through religious tolerance and interfaith harmony can a nation progress.

Nehel Hafeez

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2018