Pakistan Government committed to welfare of minorities: Wajid

 

LONDON - The present Pakistani government is committed to championing the cause of minorities and downtrodden and is taking all possible measures to ensure security, protection, justice and equal opportunities in the socio-economic and political domains.

 

Speaking at a Christmas reception hosted last night for the UK-based Pakistani Christians, Pakistan envoy to the Britain Wajid Shamsul Hasan said his Government is carrying forward the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed towards a modern, liberal and progressive country.

 

Referring to his last week’s meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, Hasan said he apprised him of the current situation in Pakistan and the country’s predominant role in the war on terror.

 

The High Commissioner informed the gathering of the Government’s recent decision regarding the increase in the minority representation in the Senate and the National Assembly and five per cent quota for minorities in all jobs at the national and provincial levels and declaring August 11 as the National Minority Day.

 

This was greeted by loud applause from the guests who had gathered at the High Commission for the Christmas reception held for the first time in the Chancery building.

 

Hasan also informed the guests that the Prime Minister has issued a directive for the establishment of a committee to prepare recommendations to scrap laws biased against minorities as well as grant of Rs.10 million for each minority law maker in the National Assembly besides doubling the minority’s development fund to Rs.150 million.

 

The High Commissioner assured that the government will leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of the Christian community.

 

Earlier, Bishop Dr. Michael Nazir Ali, Lord Bishop of Rochester, led the prayers for the prosperity, solidarity and the welfare of the people of Pakistan and explained the philosophy of Christmas and message of peace of the Jesus Christ.

 

Reverend Samuel Alwin offered prayers for Pakistan, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and for the world peace. Carol and Hymns were also recited on the occasion.

 

Former Mayor of Central English city of Rugby, James Shera in his vote of thanks lauded the positive approach of the present Government towards the Christian community in Pakistan and the struggle of Ms. Bhutto for a democratic, modern and progressive South Asian country.

 

 

APP - December 20, 2008