Will ensure minorities treated as equal citizens in Naya Pakistan, vows PM on Quaid's birth anniversary
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Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's birth anniversary assured minority communities that they would be treated as equal citizens in Naya Pakistan "unlike what is happening in India".
The prime minister on Tuesday tweeted that "Naya Pakistan is Quaid's Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India."
He added that Jinnah had envisaged Pakistan as a "democratic, just and compassionate" nation.
"Most importantly, he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens. It should be remembered that his early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu Muslim unity," the premier said, adding that Jinnah's struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only began when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority.
It is the second time in a week that the prime minister has highlighted the treatment of minorities in India. On Saturday, the premier had asserted that Pakistan would ensure equal rights to all minorities and show Indian premier Narendra Modi’s government "how we treat the minorities in Pakistan in stark comparison to the minorities’ status in India".
He had said that in India voices were being raised about the discriminatory treatment of minorities.
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Comments (107) Closed
Dec 25, 2018 02:57pm
are you kidding ?
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Dec 25, 2018 02:57pm
Walk your talk so far we have not seen equal treatmens of Minorities. Khan is good in talking but we hardly see it happening in reality.
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Dec 25, 2018 02:58pm
This can be realised if minorities are allowed to hold seats of high positions, such as PM, President, Army chief etc.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:01pm
India should show such commitment and resolve too.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:04pm
PM should reinstate the economic advisor Atif Mian who was removed because he belonged to particular sect. Many people from this sect occupy big posts in Bangladesh and Indian government as equal citizens. Yet they are marginalised as unequal in Pakistan. Time to change it and come on level with rest SAARC nation.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:15pm
Talk is cheap. Walk the talk
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Dec 25, 2018 03:18pm
what he is saying is true. i have personally noticed that christians in Karachi are not discriminated. In fact even Aga khan community is well respected. We do not even have the discussion of whether a person is christian or muslim. i see many christian nurses in the hospitals. In India muslims are being looked down upon and that's the truth. either be one of them or be against them.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:20pm
unlike what is happening in India." No need of this phrase
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Dec 25, 2018 03:27pm
After rupee crosses 150 mark to Dollar and foreign reserves fall to 5bn. He has all the time in the world for dishing out advice
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Dec 25, 2018 03:30pm
I don't know about Nia/ purana Pakistan but religion has taught us to treat minorities with respect and dignity.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:33pm
Stop joking.
The day you do this, your political career will be in jeopardy.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:35pm
great news to hear, with reducing minorities in pakistan, IK is talking about giving them equal rights.
hope to see at least president of pakistan from minority in coming days
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Dec 25, 2018 03:37pm
If you can act also other than expressing.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:41pm
PM Khan is working hard for soft image creation, all initiatives are directed in its direction. This will help in long term to gain economic and social benefits.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:45pm
India is doing just fine. Please focus on Pakistan economy.
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Dec 25, 2018 03:53pm
King of speeches!!
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Dec 25, 2018 03:56pm
The track record is very poor. Only your words won't help minorities but people only decide.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:05pm
Excellent! The nation is proud of you PMKhan.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:05pm
He wants peace by always instigating India and Hindus, needlessly!!!! IK is never for peace till now. People will realize soon.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:08pm
Ok try reinstate Princeton professor as economic advisor or try abolish blasphemy law that is primarily used as tool against minorities
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Dec 25, 2018 04:09pm
How would you face nation after 5 years?? like Nawaj Sharif from behind the bars or like absconding Musharaf?? Whole Pakistan is discussing Shanghai Electricals acquisition of KE Electricals and you are busy in diverting your own people??
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Dec 25, 2018 04:11pm
Would like to see hindus growing from mere 2pc to back to over 20pc now, as they were immediately after partition.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:16pm
IK and his team are spending more time in talking than doing anything useful.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:36pm
If you could only ensure that the majority is also treated as equal citizens in what you term as the Naya Pakistan, it would be a real achievement.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:36pm
IK has to get his facts rights. 1947 , there 20% minorities and now it’s only 2% - Food for thought mr IK ?
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Dec 25, 2018 04:37pm
He must be dreaming that this should happen.Away from reality.
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Dec 25, 2018 04:42pm
@Suraj71, "Whole Pakistan is discussing Shanghai Electricals acquisition of KE Electricals"
Where do you get your news about what whole Pakistan is discussing?
Which newspaper or television channel are you on about, except your own hyper media?
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Dec 25, 2018 05:16pm
Great words; great thoughts ; now let us see actions- that is what matters.
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Dec 25, 2018 05:19pm
I hope that Imran Khan will keep his word and treat all the citizens of Pakistan equally and fairly.
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Dec 25, 2018 05:22pm
@Nomi Goraya, yep
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Dec 25, 2018 05:35pm
Only meaningless words with no action.
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Dec 25, 2018 05:36pm
Here majority is struggling with there due rights
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Dec 25, 2018 05:36pm
Reinstate that economics professor who was asked to step down.
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Dec 25, 2018 05:55pm
If his intentions are honest and clear, then why is it that his own constituency fairs worst when it comes to treating its minorities? Actions speak louder than words.
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Dec 25, 2018 05:59pm
He does not have the power to do that.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:01pm
Hope PM succeeds in converting his words into action. Blasphemy law, extortion, land grab of minorities, desecretion of their idols, blasts and target killing, forceful conversion have reduced minorities from 25% to 1% presently.
Unless we secure our minorities and treat them as equal citizens Quaid’s dream wont be fulfilled.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:17pm
Its funny how indian who supported corrupt nawaz shareef are comenting here. Makes Me laugh.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:18pm
Well done imran sahab. Keep knocking them out of the Park. We are proud of you.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:20pm
That’s not even a sixer. It’s a twelve run shot.. Well played brother
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Dec 25, 2018 06:24pm
What he is actually saying is that minority have not been treated equally till now.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:28pm
Your intention is good Mr PM. let the minorities enjoy more power. Blaming india should have been avoided and try to learn some good lessons from india.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:33pm
Let us hope you walk your talk as well, without a U-Turn.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:33pm
Every Pakistani leader makes the same pledge every year, nothing happens. In fact ground realities tell us the plight of the minorities is getting worse and right wing hatred including that within PTI is open and on the rise.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:34pm
Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:39pm
This is to please western countries and. World pressure as economy down .
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Dec 25, 2018 06:41pm
You can tell someone you love him or her as many times as you want, but until your behavior coincides with that, the other person will probably not believe you.
Mr. Imran Khan do something for Pakistan minorities . Your
actions would be revealing your true character since it is easy to say things or make promises, but it takes effort to do things and follow through.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:42pm
First appoint atif mian.
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Dec 25, 2018 06:57pm
Why are there so much hateful comments for PM Imran Khan - give him a chance and if proven wrong, people can vote again in 5 years.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:03pm
Why is IK getting down to this tu tu mein mein . It will not get him any votes in Pakistan nor will it help in early talks with India .
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Dec 25, 2018 07:03pm
Well done imran khan. Keep up the good work.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:03pm
I am missing most of the frequent India bashers here.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:05pm
Mr. Prime minister. A good place to start would be by amending at least the amendment in part 3 of chapter 1 in the constitution of Pakistan, which currently reads as follows:
The President.
(1) There shall be a President of Pakistan who shall be the Head of State and shall represent the unity of the Republic. (2) A person shall not be qualified for election as President unless he is a Muslim of not less than forty-five years of age and is qualified to be elected as member of the National Assembly.
I believe remove the restrictions of being a "muslim" and a "he", would be a good beginning.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:06pm
After 70 years after independence one want to ensure the rights of minorities.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:27pm
Admit it...it is funny and laughter for the day:)
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Dec 25, 2018 07:35pm
It is a clear admission that the last 71 years were highly discriminatory.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:48pm
@Sriniwas, the answer is Rana Bhagwan Das and many others who were given lead role in various Pakistan governments
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Dec 25, 2018 07:51pm
Seriously? I mean it doesn't sound bad to hear what he says but looking at Pak's past and present, he can't even allow fellow Muslims an equal place of another sect, and after scrutinizing his governments actions, one would know that equality isn't there even for majority sect Muslims. He doesn't have what he claims, will be given to minority or majority.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:52pm
Minorities are Citizen of Pakistan and have right to serve the Nation.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:58pm
I admire PM Imran Khan's sentiments towards minorities. He is a beleiver in humanity, and is a good person at heart as shown by the Kartarpur corridor. But what is the need to constantly bring up India for no reason and compare with us? Does he compare with other neighbors like China, Afghanistan or Iran?
Imran Khan has been to India many times and knows our democratic and secular system well. Yet he is trying to compare us with Pakistan, where he himself could not appoint a Princeton professor as an economist and where an innocent Christian woman is in hiding for no fault of hers. The whole point of partition was to separate and live our own lives on both sides. The physical seapration has happened 70 years back but mentally we are still stuck to each other.
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Dec 25, 2018 07:59pm
They talk the talk but can they walk the talk?
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Dec 25, 2018 08:22pm
@Anurag Gautam, only if these talks are converted to reality
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Dec 25, 2018 08:24pm
Wait for 6 days.
This guy will come up with a speech again with
a big U Turn
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Dec 25, 2018 08:24pm
Pakistan didn’t ban meat for minorities unlike in India
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Dec 25, 2018 08:28pm
The first and true heir and successor of Jinnah. We the people of Pakistan have trust in your sincerity and honesty. We are hopeful that you will make Pakistan a heaven for minorities as was envisaged by the father of the nation. Long live PM Khan.
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Dec 25, 2018 08:49pm
@Asif A. Shah, It is not IK saying, it is the PK Constitution!
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Dec 25, 2018 08:51pm
@Prabhu, Pakistan, Imran Khan and the PTI want peace. We are willing to work for that.
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Dec 25, 2018 08:53pm
Mr. PM it'll be great if you tell what was the percentage of minorities in your country in 1947 and what is the percentage now and kindly explain the reason behind the change. Now a days people in this world are not idiots. Statement for local consumption may be good but not for global politics.
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Dec 25, 2018 08:59pm
Thank You Mr Imran Khan. Now minorities can also become prime minsters of Pakistan. Wise decision.
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Dec 25, 2018 09:31pm
Where is my comment DM? Are you censoring comments being free press? Shame on you for curbing freedom of speech. I will post this on Twitter as proof how you censor comments. The express tribune is thousands times better than you and allows free speech.
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Dec 25, 2018 09:36pm
@Ujla sitara, If India was doing fine then we would not have news on people being killed by mobs on beef charges or Kashmiri uprising.
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Dec 25, 2018 09:36pm
IK needs to discipline himself first and give up his highly arrogant style.
I witnessed his arrogance on 2st December. He came exactly 43 minutes late to Islamabad National University ceremony. But he did not even have the courtesy to say sorry to the waiting people - who included vice chancellors, diplomats, and so many more. I have attended such ceremonies where BB, NS, Zardari were chief guests and they were always on time. But this is Naya Pakistan. 43 minutes of a few hundred people is of no value.
During lunch, when everyone was standing in line, the information minister Fawad Chaudhry just broke into the line. The person in front of felt embarrassed but I said in loud voice that people this country don’t have any etiquettes and no concept of making lines. Fawad Chaudhry heard it but continued putting food in his plate.
The food was quite lavish so there was no simplicity or cost cutting.
I was very disappointed with this Naya Pakistan.
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Dec 25, 2018 09:39pm
By looking at all comments its clear that modi and sharifs media are really active and 5th generation war is at peak.hang on tough PM khan
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Dec 25, 2018 09:43pm
@Sriniwas, No no no... in The USA you can't hold US President if you Muslim or Jew. You can't be the President if you were not born as an American.
You can't be the PM of Pakistan if you not a Muslim doesn't mean you as a minority is not treated equally. Minorities don't represent by your religion instead it's a small group of ethnic groups that has a wide range of characteristics such as cultural and racial background.
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Dec 25, 2018 09:58pm
IK doesn't seem to be only upsetting the PPP and PML-N, it appears he's also causing rage across the border, as evidenced by the comments... Bravo IK, you go sir
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Dec 25, 2018 10:05pm
At least President should be from minority community. May be one Governor also
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Dec 25, 2018 10:10pm
How do you ensure that minorities are treated as equal citizens? Is it not possible to remove the word minority from records & statements?
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Dec 25, 2018 10:26pm
Sir, Unless a minority person able to hold the highest office of the nation such as Preident, PM, Army Chief; there is no sense in your announcement. We need constitutional changes to make the minorities an equal citizens. This needs redefining Pakistan as a nation on pluralistic ideas, not based on religon.
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Dec 25, 2018 10:26pm
@Khan, Looking at your comment its clear that blind PTI media supporters are 5 generations behind in accepting facts and truth about nation.
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Dec 25, 2018 10:37pm
Please set Asia Bibi free...
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Dec 25, 2018 10:40pm
Imran ji -as long as the country is Islamic republic - this is not possible.
The basic laws of Pakistan bars non Muslims to hold certain positions - how are you going to change that??
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Dec 25, 2018 10:43pm
@Khan, This is called public opinion.
Why he can’t just stop making unwarranted references to India?? I don’t see any logic behind your imaginary media activities.
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Dec 25, 2018 10:44pm
@Sabir Pakistani , meat naah only beef
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Dec 25, 2018 10:47pm
Well, release Asia Bibi first.just talk no action...
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Dec 25, 2018 10:49pm
@waqar khan - doesn't matter what USA does. But in India, dalit, Muslim, sikh, and Christian have been President, PM and army chief.
Even if not top positions, how many senators or members of parlimaent are from minorities.
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Dec 25, 2018 10:59pm
@Waqar Khan , no law in the US that says a Muslim Jew or Hindu can’t be President. Unlike Pakistan that has such a law.
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Dec 25, 2018 11:03pm
Talking so big when he cannot even nominate an economic advisor of his choice. Empty talks don't build a nation
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Dec 25, 2018 11:04pm
All talk no action.
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Dec 25, 2018 11:09pm
Nothing will happens. Everything will be in speech only.
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Dec 25, 2018 11:10pm
@Nomi Goraya, "are you kidding ?"
As usual busy making statements and preparing for next U turn
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Dec 25, 2018 11:35pm
@Farhan, very nicely pointed by this gentleman.
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Dec 25, 2018 11:35pm
We heard you...
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Dec 26, 2018 12:17am
@Sriniwas, exactly
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Dec 26, 2018 12:29am
well as being a pakistani hindu i have seen lot of good prosperous things we believe in our pm but you r talking about equal citizen regarding minorities will you change your ordinance act of 1973 yes i do believe quaid jinnah's pakistan was equal for everyone , making it loud calling it for equal rights for minorities measures should be taken for implementations pakistan zindabad..!
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Dec 26, 2018 12:49am
As per IK, the minorities would be treated equally from his statement onwards. This means they were not treated as such before his statement. If there has been always an equal treatment then why this statement. I have never seen anyone from minorities holding any high post in Pakistan as in India. A better statement would be the one without bringing India into the picture. If you still insist then there are a lot of other things to bring the comparison on. Merry Christmas!!
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Dec 26, 2018 12:56am
Everyone thinks things happen overnight
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Dec 26, 2018 01:00am
@Surya Prakash, Like your sarcasm!
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Dec 26, 2018 01:36am
Very good to hear the intention. Hope our current PM is able to correct this wrong during his tenure.
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Dec 26, 2018 03:36am
@rehan, Things don't happen over night. He demonstrates that he is moving, all be it, slowly in that direction. I wish him every success.
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Dec 26, 2018 03:50am
@bhaRAT©, Had we followed your resolve then the count of your Muslim brothers in India would not have jumped almost three fold since Independence.
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Dec 26, 2018 05:26am
@Sriniwas: Are you kidding? The moment a minority is given higher position he will disappear to less than 2% :)
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Dec 26, 2018 05:31am
Kudos Pakistan for protecting minorities. Hopefully the other countries can learn from Pakistan.
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Dec 26, 2018 05:34am
@Waqar Khan , you are right. Pakistan sets an example to be followed by western countries and others.
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Dec 26, 2018 05:34am
@The lost soul 80, Quaid Azam never wanted minorities to be forced out of Pakistan.
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Dec 26, 2018 06:48am
@L.Ahmad, I agree word ensure is widely used without knowing how do you ensure behaviour and action.
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Dec 26, 2018 07:14am
@Waqar Khan , who said a Muslim or jew can not be president of USlA. Yes a Non US Citizen can not be president of President which is fair.
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Dec 26, 2018 03:21pm
OK sir, wonder why all politicians play the religion card rather concentrating on development.
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Dec 26, 2018 06:28pm
@Sabir Pakistani , Please get your facts right. India has has not banned meat for any one. Only in certain states beef is banned like Pork is banned all over Pakistan.
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