Karachi:
The Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday to mark the national day of minorities, the heads of cash and opposition affirming that the Constitution guarantees complete protection of minorities in the Sindh and through Pakistan.
This decision, made three days before independence, was described as a reaffirmation according to which each citizen is ensured the freedom of religion and security of life and goods.
The session, held in the former building of the Assembly under the president of Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by the sub-president Naveed Anthony. Earlier, the Minister of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, had managed to suspend the suspension of other procedures to allow a debate on the request.
Speaking in favor, the chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the historical role of the Assembly in the success of the 1943 resolution in favor of Pakistan and the accommodation of the address of Quaid-Ezam in 1947. He said that the observation of minorities before the day of independence underlined the guarantee of freedom and religious protection of all citizens.
He noted Sindh’s main role in adherence to Pakistan, adding that his representatives would continue to contribute to the country’s unity and survival. Referring to Quaid-Ezam’s commitment to safeguarding minorities, Shah cited the contributions of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also raised the national flag in the assembly room.
Opposition chief Ali Khursheedi supported resolution, urging all parties to respect his mind. He warned of sectarian and ethnic prejudices, and underlined the need for serious attention to public security problems.
Lanjar announced its intention to establish minority offices led by SSP level officers at the Sindh police headquarters and the IG office.
The Minister of Local Government, Saeed Ghani, said that the protection of non-Muslims dates back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PSL) and the Caliphate de Rashidun. He stressed that Islam prohibits damage to non-Muslims, adding that minorities in his constituency are treated with respect.
Vice-President Anthony noted that former Asif President Ali Zardari launched the national minority day in 2009, recalling the discourse of August 11, 1947 of Quaid-Ezam in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white band. He proposed that the constitutional term “minority” be deleted to reflect equality.
Former president Agha Siraj Durrani stressed that the term is a constitutional provision which could only be modified in the National Assembly and underlined the PPP file by granting minorities more than five percent of government jobs. President Shah announced that a symbolic session will take place on August 14, inviting special children as guests.
Taha Ahmed Khan of MQM, Shabbir Qureshi de Pti, and Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed of MQM also supported the resolution. The members of the MQM called for the constitutional abolition of the term “minority” and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said the minorities benefit from all installations in Pakistan, unlike India.
The room unanimously approved resolution before adjourning the session.
