Govt committed to protecting minority rights: Gilani 

      
LAHORE, Nov. 27 (APP)- Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated that minorities and women were his constituency and his government was committed to protecting their rights.Talking to a select group of Sikh leaders, who are visiting Pakistan to participate in birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak, at State Guest House here Saturday, he said the welfare of minorities was not only religious obligation but also a political commitment.The Prime Minister said the government believed in promoting interfaith harmony and the relations between Sikh and Muslim communities in Pakistan was a good example.
Gilani also assured the Sikh leaders of considering their suggestions on various matters. He especially mentioned the policy to maximum visas on religious occasions of followers of different faiths, who visited Pakistan particularly Sikhs and Buddhists. Pilgrims help develope people-to-people contact and better understanding among communities, he observed.
The delegation appreciated government efforts to improve travel facilities as well as conditions of Gurdwaras and shrines in Pakistan. They also mentioned that Langer Khana at Punja Sahib had become one of the best in the subcontinent after its renovation by the Pakistan government.
The delegation lauded efforts of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Asif Hashmi for resolving issues of the Sikh community in Pakistan. They mentioned that they had great regard for the Prime Minister as they were given a special opportunity to meet him whenever they visited Pakistan.  They said they attached special importance to the meeting as forefathers of the Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone of the Golden Temple.
The Sikh delegates also appreciated that most conversation during the meeting was in their language. Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti and ETPB Chairman Asif Hashmi were also present.