The constitution has bestowed the 'minorities' rights, privileges and freedom to lead their lives in accordance with the teachings of their religion as first class citizens. This was stated by Speaker National Assembly Chaudhry Ameer Hussain at a seminar on 'Role of Minorities in Pakistan Movement' here on Wednesday.
He said that minorities have always participated in the national events with such zeal and enthusiasm, which is beyond any comparison. "I feel proud to say that minorities have left behind others by organising this seminar to celebrate the Independence Day", he added.
He said, there is no doubt that minorities played a significant role in the struggle for the attainment of a separate homeland and it was by the dint of minorities' decisive votes which compelled the British rulers to include the province of Punjab in West Pakistan.
He said, Pakistan is the only country, which has given its minorities the right of dual vote as they can vote for their reserved seats and for general seats as well. He said, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared after independence that 'in Pakistan there would be no discrimination on the basis of colour, creed or religion rather everyone would be able to enjoy equal rights'.
Today, we are following the principles, announced by our Quaid and minorities have been allocated special quotas in educational institutions and in jobs, he added. Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Ijazul Haq, also paid tribute to minorities for their role in the Pakistan movement. He said that the role played by leaders of Unionist Party of subcontinent could not be denied as they voted in favour of Qauid-e-Azam instead of their own party.