ISLAMABAD: The first batch of Hindu pilgrims currently visiting the country met National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Monday and appreciated the upkeep and maintenance of religious places belonging to Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan.
Speaking to a delegation of Hindu Yatris (pilgrims) from different countries at the Parliament House, Mr. Kaiser said that religious minorities form an important part of the Pakistani community and their contribution to the country’s progress and prosperity is commendable.
The Parliament and the government were fully aware of their responsibilities and had protected the rights and freedoms of all religious minorities as guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and the guiding principles of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.
Kaiser says minorities are important part of Pakistani nation
The NA President informed the delegation headed by Kundan Bai that Islam strongly underlines the protection of all fundamental rights of minorities.
“It was our religious obligation to protect the rights of minorities,” he said.
Mr. Kaiser also highlighted the measures taken by the current government to ensure that the rights of religious minorities enshrined in the Constitution are respected.
The visit is part of a recent initiative by the government to promote religious tourism and portray a softer image of the country internationally.
The program is supported by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which is sponsoring boarding and lodging arrangements at various shrines.
The Punjab Government in association with ETPB has started a similar program to facilitate Sikh pilgrims to visit Kartarpur.
Addressing the pilgrims, the Speaker of the National Assembly referred to the Indian government taking away the religious and constitutional rights of Kashmiris and other religious minorities.
“Kashmiris were victims of oppression and atrocities by the Indian Army and this is a test of conscience for the whole world,” Kaiser said. He said that Muslims in the occupied territory were also forbidden from performing their religious obligations.
The speaker told the pilgrims that there was a need to resolve the Kashmir dispute as per the aspirations of Kashmiris and UN resolutions. He said that it is the responsibility of the international community to pay attention to the plight of Kashmiris.
The Speaker said that Pakistan has immense tourism potential and offers rich cultural and religious heritage.
He said that the government had taken an initiative to promote and facilitate religious tourism in Pakistan and expressed hope that this initiative would create inter-religious harmony and promote a true and peaceful and progressive face of the country.
On this occasion, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Dr Ramesh Vankwani highlighted the various reforms initiated in the country to benefit Hindus and other non-Muslim communities.
The head of the delegation, Ms. Bai, appreciated the hospitality and warmth shown by the people of Pakistan. He presented a digital Holy Quran to the Speaker of the National Assembly. Travelers from Spain and the United States also exchanged gifts. He said that it is encouraging that the government has preserved their religious places well.
The delegation then left for Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of the founder of Sikhism, Baba Guru Nanak.
Published in Dawn, January 4, 2022