London (Arif Chaudhry)
Protecting the rights of minorities is part of Pakistan’s basic ethics: Moazzam Ahmad Khan
A seminar on the occasion of National Minorities Day entitled “The Role of Minorities in Nation Building: Tribute to Pakistani Religious Minorities was held on 11 August 2021 at the Pakistan High Commission in London”.
Overseas Pakistanis (WCOPs) pay tribute to the invaluable contribution of minorities in the development and progress of Pakistan.
The event was attended by members of Pakistani minority communities in the UK as well as a large number of people from various walks of life.
The seminar was addressed by Dr James Sheera MBE and Sitara Pakistan, Dr Amina Hoti, Bishop Michael Nazir Ali, Sonu Malkani, Rupert Gold and Chanchal Singh Chaudhry and Councilor Tariq Dar.
In his remarks on the occasion, High Commissioner Moazzam Ahmad Khan thanked the minorities of Pakistan for their contribution to nation-building efforts.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the inclusion, diversity and betterment of minorities in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Constitution of Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan was created by a minority in search of protection of the rights of minorities. Therefore, the rights of minorities were part of the basic principles of Pakistan.
The High Commissioner also apprised the participants of the steps taken by Pakistan to ensure interfaith harmony across the country, including the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor. He appealed to the minorities of Pakistan to remain steadfast in their commitment to their country and heritage.
The speakers appreciated the role of minorities in the formation of Pakistan and its subsequent development and progress. He stressed the need for diversity and inclusion for the socio-economic development of the country.
The speakers also appreciated the efforts of the Government of Pakistan for the rights and welfare of the minority communities and stressed that these efforts should continue.
Chairperson WCOP Dr Sohail Chughtai welcomed the guests while WCOP Co-Founder Syed Qamar Raza thanked them at the end.
Dr Arif Anis Malik and Reverend Rana Yoab Khan moderated the function. Two brothers named Leo Twins performed a national anthem and received applause from the audience.
