Islamabad, AUG 11 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) organized a ceremony to celebrate the National Minority Day. Former Minister of State for National Health Services Mahesh Kumar Malani was the chief guest while former Member KPK Assembly Sardar Ranjit Singh was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony Mahesh Kumar Malani said that minorities in Pakistan enjoy better protection of rights due to which they do not feel any insecurity. Quaid-i-Azam had said in his speech on 11th August 1947 that the minorities in Pakistan would have equal rights and they would have full freedom to go to their places of worship. His vision is being implemented in Pakistan as Temples, Churches and Gurdwaras are safe in Pakistan. Only a limited group of extremists is attacking mosques and minority places of worship. He said that armed forces are fighting against extremists and they will be eliminated soon. He demanded that the political parties should bring more minority members in the national and provincial assemblies. He lauded ICCI for celebrating the National Minority Day and paid tribute to the services of the Bakhtavari family for the minorities.

President ICCI, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that the minorities had played an active role in the Pakistan Movement and they had also defended Pakistan during wars, which reflects their deep love for Pakistan. He stressed that the government should further increase 5% job quota for minorities in the public and private sectors and reiterated that ICCI would cooperate in providing jobs to them in the private sector. He said that minorities are also playing a positive role in the economic development of Pakistan by promoting business activities and assured that ICCI will play a role to address their business-related issues. He said that India is suppressing the rights of the Muslims of Occupied Kashmir and its minorities, therefore, the international community including the United Nations should take notice of it and play a role to protect the rights of the minorities.

Sardar Ranjit Singh, former member of KPK assembly, said that the freedom and facilities enjoyed by minorities in Pakistan are a slap in the face of our neighbour. The way the minorities are protected in Pakistan today may be giving satisfaction to the soul of Quaid-e-Azam. He said that the 99% Sikh community in Pakistan is playing an active role in strengthening the economy of Pakistan by promoting business activities. Minorities are also rendering useful services in the health and education sectors in Pakistan. The celebration National Minority Day in ICCI is commendable as it will boost the morale of minorities.

Zafar Bakhtavari, former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG, said that this day reminds us of promoting love and brotherhood among communities of all religions. There is a need to further promote interfaith harmony to make Pakistan an attractive destination for business and investment, and such events will prove useful in achieving these objectives. He said that ICCI has always raised its voice for solving the issues of the minorities and will continue to do so in the future. The Bakhtawari family has provided facilities like electricity, gas and water to the slum dwellers of Islamabad and will continue to work for the betterment of the minorities in future as well.

Chaudhry Ashraf Farzand, Convener, ICCI Interfaith Harmony Committee appreciated the role of the Chamber for minorities. National song was also presented on the occasion, while a great tribute was paid to the services of the minorities for the country.