LAHORE: The University of Home Economics (UHE) on Monday celebrated the National Minorities Day bringing together representatives of different religious communities and highlighting the importance of interfaith harmony and protection of minority rights in Pakistan.
Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, UHE Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zaibun Nisa Hussain, Bishop Dr Majid Abel, and Pandit Amar Nath Randhawa were among the prominent participants.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Arora said the implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act was a landmark piece of legislation, enabling Sikh marriages to be solemnised in accordance with Sikh religious traditions. He said Pakistan had taken important steps to safeguard the rights of religious minorities and that all minorities in the country enjoyed fundamental rights.
He said the Sikh identity had been undermined in India despite its claim of being a secular state.
“It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the protection of minority rights,” he said.
The minister described Kartarpur as a “classic example of interfaith harmony,” saying that Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims could be seen together there in an atmosphere of mutual respect.Addressing the audience, Prof Dr Zaibun Nisa Hussain said members of minority communities had always played an important role in the development and progress of Pakistan.
She said Aug 11 is being observed as a day to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of its minority communities.
“The Constitution of Pakistan provides full protection to minority communities,” she said.
Mr Randhawa said the Hindu community had always demonstrated its love for the country through national service and a spirit of patriotism. He reaffirmed that the Hindu community would continue to contribute to Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
Bishop Dr Abel said the government was taking measures for the protection and welfare of the Sikh community. He noted that over the past 78 years, the Sikh community had served the country in various fields and demonstrated its commitment and patriotism.
He stressed the need for collective efforts to promote interfaith harmony, saying that all communities should work together to convey a message of unity, peace and mutual respect.
Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2026