Karachi: In collaborative effort between Sindh Ministry of Minority Affairs and Arts Council Karachi, one-day ‘Provincial Conference for Minority Rights’ held. Dignitaries, aimed to address rights and concerns of minority communities attended.

Interim Chief Minister Sindh Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir, interim Minister of Information, President Arts Karachi Ahmed Shah, Shoaib Suddal, Iqbal Ahmed Dathu, Mirza Moiz Baig and Akram Ali Khawaja, Secretary of Minority Affairs attended.

Naveed Anthony, Faisal Siddiqui, Sukh Dev and Ramesh Singh contributed to discussions. Secretary Minority Affairs Akram Ali Khawaja emphasised its mission to safeguard minority rights and promote peace.

Maqbool Baqir underscored conference’s focus on rights and independent beliefs of non-Muslim citizens. He stressed need for unity and discouraged sectarian and ethnic prejudices. Admitting right to preach, he said that in Salamat Mansha case, Supreme Court granted bail to accused who had committed crime against religion.

Ahmed Shah emphasised that all resources allocated for minority affairs are intended for benefit of entire minority community. He announced release of two quarters’ funds for minority community initiatives, with third quarter currently in process of being released.

He praised Sindh’s commitment, stating that no other province has accomplished as much as Sindh in light of this commission. He, “advocated for insurance coverage for all janitorial staff, emphasising importance of equal participation for people of every religion in Pakistan.”

Shoaib Saddal praised conference’s significance and recalled 2013 church bombing in Peshawar. Proposing formation of a National Council for minorities and robust institute. Mirza Moiz Baig congratulated Ahmed Shah for fostering unity among people of all religions.

Emphasising constitutional provisions allowing freedom of religion for all, he expressed optimism about bringing positive change in Sindh by addressing minority issues. Iqbal Ahmad Dathu delved into formation of Human Rights Commission in 2011 and constitutional rights guaranteed to minorities.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 24 2024

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