(Daily Point) — National Minorities Day is observed today to highlight the religious and socio-economic rights of minorities in Pakistan.

The declaration to mark National Minorities Day was adopted as part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect those belonging to religious, linguistic, national, or ethnic minority groups.

The purpose of observing the day is to emphasize the message of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who advocated for equal rights for all citizens of Pakistan.

In his message on National Minorities Day, President Asif Ali Zardari stated that minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic, and social rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

He reiterated the nation’s commitment to the promise made by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 11th August 1947, to safeguard the rights and religious freedoms of the country’s minorities.

The President highlighted the government’s various steps taken for the political, social, and economic empowerment of minorities.

He urged all segments of society to educate the public about their rights and to work towards promoting interfaith harmony, the spirit of love, tolerance, brotherhood, and unity to strengthen Pakistan.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended his best wishes to the members of minority communities living in Pakistan.

In his message, he commended the contributions made by minority communities in various fields.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Service Chiefs acknowledged the indispensable contributions of minorities to the nation’s progress, prosperity, and rich cultural heritage.