KARACHI, Aug 18: Speakers at a public meeting held under the auspices of the Pakistan Minorities Alliance on Sunday urged the masses to show tolerance and brotherhood towards all citizens of the country, irrespective of their sects and religions.

The meeting was organized by the PMA at the Karachi Press Club and was addressed by various political and minority leaders.

The president of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, Shehbaz Bhatti, warned the government of dire consequences if any other incident of violating the sanctity of minority houses of worship occurred again.

“Minorities would take it very seriously if they (terrorists) strike us again,” he said adding that they would be forced to call for country-wide agitation in case of the reoccurrence of any terrorist activity aimed at them.

Speaking on the occasion, secretary-general of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Raza Rabbani, said that his party struggled for years to get rid of the joint electoral system, which shows their commitment to safeguard minority rights.

He said that some forces were behind the attacks and killings of minorities as they did not want people to unite and raise their voice against discrimination and injustice.

Leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain, in his message which was read out by Kunwar Khalid Younis, said that no religion preaches hatred against followers of any other religion, adding that some people were using religion to fulfil their nefarious designs.

President Awami National Party (ANP) Sindh, Qamoos Gul Khattak, said that dictators have always promoted religious extremists and maniacs.

Minority leader Saleem Khurshid Khokhar said that minorities were being targeted for the US campaign in Afghanistan, which was totally illogical and ruthless.

Many other leaders of various minorities also spoke on the occasion. —PPI