National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Lauding the services of Dewan
Bahadur S.P.Singha for creation of Pakistan, President Mamnoon
Hussain has said that dynamic nations always remember and are
grateful to personalities who serve their country adding that
Pakistani nation is not behind anyone in this regard.
The President was speaking to a well attended gathering
of Christian community and Pakistanis at the Awan-e-Sadr on
the occasion of issuing a commemorative postage stamp to
acknowledge the services of Dewan S.P. Singha.
He said that before independence, Dewan Bahadur S.P.
Singha rendered unforgettable services for the establishment
of Pakistan in his position as a member and speaker of Punjab
Assembly for which the nation was thankful to him.
He said the commemorative postage stamp being issued in
recognition of his services was a proof that Pakistani nation
always lauded its heroes whether they belong to the majority
or minority communities.
“Be it the movement for creation of Pakistan or the
phase of its building, minority communities in particular the
Christian community have played a stellar role in close
collaboration with the whole nation,” the President added.
The President said after the creation of Pakistan, the
scope of services by the Christian community was further
widened and our brethren have rendered extraordinary services
not only in the fields of education and health but also in the
important area of defence. It shows that all communities of
the country work hand in hand to serve Pakistan, he added.
The President said we are proud of the fact that all
citizens were equal in the eyes of the state as was stated by
Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his speech delivered on
August 11 wherein all citizens of Pakistan were assured of
equal rights without discrimination of colour, race, religion
and belief.
He said the present government, by following the guiding
principles of Quaid-e-Azam, has never discriminated against
the minority communities and above all the Constitution
guarantees complete protection to all minority communities.
The basis of peace and mutual understanding between
Pakistan’s minority and majority communities, the President
said was the teachings of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be
Upon Him) and his model way of life.
“We are proud that these glorious traditions are still
being followed,” the President said.
The President said it was however very sad that during
the last few years, minorities went through some traumatic
incidents the purpose of which was to vitiate the wonderful
atmosphere of religious harmony and tolerance in the country.
But, he said, Pakistan’s wise people and patriotic
minority communities thwarted these evil designs through their
unity.
He said that all such incidents occurring in different
parts of the country in which a minority community was
targeted were totally against the teachings of Islam and
perpetrators of these incidents were misled and deserve
punishment.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has said that on
the Day of Judgment he (PBUH) and the oppressed would be side
by side even if the oppressed is a non-Muslim, the President
said.
The President warned the misguided elements to desist
from their nefarious activities because the law was tightening
its noose around them and they would not be spared.
President Mamnoon Hussain on the occasion mentioned
various steps taken by the government of Pakistan for the
welfare of minority community.
It includes, allocation of seats for minorities in the Senate,
Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, 5% quota in jobs, facility of leave to minority employees on the occasion of their religious festivals,establishment of Minorities Welfare Fund, scholarships for
minority students, arrangements for renovation and maintenance
of religious places, setting up of National Commission for
Minorities and celebration of 11th August as Minorities Day at
official level.
The President reaffirmed his resolve that no stone would
be left unturned in promoting religious harmony by upholding
these constitutional and legal measures for the protection of
minority communities.
The President congratulated the government on issuing a
commemorative postage stamp in recognition of the services of
Dewan Bahadur S.P. Singha.
“Minority communities are beautiful flowers of the
bouquet that is Pakistan and all efforts will be taken for
their safety and progress,” the President said.
Minister for Ports and Shipping Kamran Michael,Dr.
Alexander Bishop John Malick and Bishop Azad Marshall also
spoke on the occasion and paid tributes to the services of
Dewan S.P. Singha.
A commemorative postage stamp to acknowledge the
services of Dewan S.P.Singha for Pakistan was also issued on
the occasion.