PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that the Constitution guarantees social, political, religious and economic rights to all citizens of the country regardless of their cast, creed or colour.

Mr Gandapur, in a message issued by the chief minister’s secretariat on Sunday, said that the National Day of Minorities reflected the nation’s commitment to equality, diversity and protection of the rights of the minority communities.

He maintained that his government was dedicated to ensuring equal opportunities and respect for every individual, regardless of their background, and reiterated the importance of celebrating the rich diversity of cultures, religions and traditions that characterised the society.

“We are committed to creating an environment where every minority community can thrive, contribute and play an essential role in our collective progress. Our policies and initiatives are designed to address the unique challenges faced by these communities and promote their empowerment,” the chief minister said.

Mr Gandapur acknowledged the invaluable contribution of religious minorities to the development of Pakistan, saying that Islam strongly advocated for the protection of the minority rights and equality among all individuals.

He reaffirmed the pledge to inclusivity and mutual respect, urging everyone to work together to build a society where every individual’s rights were upheld and their contributions were valued.

Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that minorities are part of the country and they have played an important role since creation of Pakistan. He said that doors of the Governor’s House were always open for minorities.

He stated this while speaking at a gathering held at the Governor’s House to mark the National Day of Minorities, according to a statement.

The event was attended by members from Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities, including women and children.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor said that minorities had full religious freedom in the country. He said in KP, the minorities were given the same rights as in other parts of the country

Stressing the need of religious harmony in the country, Mr Kundi said that religious and historical places of different civilisations in the province, including Gandhara, would be preserved in order to promote religious tourism. He said that he would play his role in resolving the issues of the minorities.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2024