KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah addressing Christmas cake cutting ceremony here at CM House said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his speech at Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947 had clearly guaranteed freedom of minorities.

According to CM House information, Shah quoting father of nation said, “You are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your masajid or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed that has nothing to do with business of State.” He added that this was manifesto of Pakistan Peoples’ Party.”

Programme was attended by provincial ministers, advisors, special assistants, MPAs and PPP office-bearers of minorities wing of Karachi division and of all districts of province, clergy, including Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Bishop Kaleem John, people from Pentecostal Church and notables.

CM said that last few years had been difficult for many of us, with ongoing challenges and uncertainties of Covid-19 endemic. “But through it all, we have remained strong and resilient and have continued to find ways to come together and support one another.,” he said and added we moved forward into new year, letting us hold onto hope and joy that new year would make the world better place for all.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari always upheld rights of minorities. “If any incident happens with any member of minority community, he starts questioning me and directs me to redress matter and report him,” he disclosed.

CM said that six of his Cabinet members were from religious minorities. “PPP has never discriminated against any person on basis of religion, caste and creed but provides them with equal rights and opportunities,” he said.

CM extended his heartfelt Christmas greetings to Christian Community. “May this festive season bring you joy, happiness and all blessings you deserve,” he concluded. Minister for Minorities Gianchand Israni and MPA Lal Chand Ukrani, Cardinal Joseph Coutts and PPP MPA Naveed Anthony also spoke.

Minorities Minister Gianchand said that his party has given him ministry with portfolio of Minorities Affairs task to redress grievances of minorities on priority basis.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 27 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.