• Inclusiveness & tolerance will further promote inter-faith harmony and brotherhood among citizens of the country: NA Speaker

• Minorities enjoy equal rights in Pakistan as enshrined in the constitution: NA Speaker

Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the Constitution of Pakistan provides equal rights to citizens irrespective of caste, color, or creed. Parliament alongside the government always plays its part to safeguard the rights of minorities. He made these remarks in a meeting with notables from Christian Community, today at Speaker House, Islamabad.

He acknowledged & appreciated the commendable services of the Christian community in the overall progress of the country particularly in education, health, social welfare & promotion of inter-faith harmony. Speaker also lauded the community’s role in strengthening democracy and promotion of democratic values in the country.

While talking to the delegates which included Mr. Roekh Yousaf Bhinder, Leader at HT Church of England Liverpool Diocese, Kashif Nemat, President Christian Lawyers Association in Pakistan, Mr. Samuel Maksan, Chairman Implementation Minority Rights Forum & Mr. Samuel Payara emphasized upon propagating the positive image of the country. He urged them to highlight the landmark achievements of the state in protecting their rights and creation of equal opportunities for minorities in the country.

Speaker underscored that no country can progress fully unless it caters to the needs of all its citizens. He remarked that minorities in Pakistan are greatly satisfied with the state in comparison to minorities in our next-door neighboring country.