Islamabad:

“We are trying our best to make Pakistan a democratic country as per vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah by promoting interfaith harmony, national harmony and co-existence with diversity.”

Minister In-charge for Ministry of National Harmony and Chairman All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, Dr Paul Bhatti, expressed these views while addressing a press conference here at National Press Club. “We have taken several steps for the uplift of non-Muslim communities which have alleviated their sense of deprivation and assured them that they have equal rights in Pakistan”, Dr Paul said.

He said the seats of non-Muslims have been increased in the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies by our efforts, which is a success of APMA and non-Muslims community.  “There was an impression that the government does not take care of the rights of the non-Muslims as the seats of the majority parliamentarians have been increasing with growth of population while the seats of the non-Muslims were remained 10 till the recent increase of their seats”, he added.

He said they have succeeded to start a press of getting equal rights for the non-Muslims, which will strengthen the democracy in the country as well after fulfilling the old demand and aspire of non-Muslims. Dr Paul said he has set a goal of creating an environment in Pakistan where there should not be any quota or separate seats in parliament for any one on the basis of faith and creed. While all Pakistanis should have equal rights and be elected as members of the assemblies and senate by general public on the basis of one’s patriotism and services for the nation and homeland.

He said it is not possible in the given situation and we have to wage struggle against a mindset, which is bent upon weakening the non-Muslims, and crush the one important segment of society demonstrated by flag of our country in white colour.

“Keeping in view the situation we have invited religious, political and social leaders of all non-Muslims living in Pakistan in a meeting on July 25 to get together and build a census to decide a suitable electoral system as per their aspirations which can protect their rights, he said.

He said a plan has already been finalized to call an international interfaith conference in September this year to promote the image of Pakistan and develop interfaith harmony. Religious leaders of different faiths from more than 50 countries will attend the conference.

source: http://www.nation.com.pk / The Nation / Home / by Staff Reporter / July 23rd, 2012