LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep grief over the ongoing violence in Gaza and lamented that the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan have been overshadowed by the atrocities committed against Muslims in the region.
Speaking at a special ceremony in Lahore on the occasion of National Minorities Day, the Prime Minister highlighted the serious situation in Gaza, where Israeli forces continue their aggression against Palestinians.
“The joy of our Independence Day has been lost because of the barbaric actions that have been inflicted on our Muslim brothers and sisters in Gaza,” he said, adding that the international community’s silence on the matter was deeply disturbing.
Mentioning the historical significance of August 11, Prime Minister Shehbaz recalled Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s speech in 1947 where he emphasized equal rights for all citizens irrespective of their religion.
“Today we celebrate the contribution of minorities to the development of Pakistan. Our minority communities have played a key role in the nation’s progress and today’s ceremony is a testament to their invaluable contribution,” he noted.
Prime Minister Sharif condemned the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing them of orchestrating systematic violence against Palestinians.
“Yesterday at dawn, innocent Muslims, including children, were martyred in a brutal bombing. These attacks continue unabated, yet the world remains a silent spectator,” he said.
He criticized international organizations, ostensibly established to maintain peace, for their inaction. “Resolutions are passed, but they carry no weight because Israeli aggression continues unchecked. History has not witnessed cruelty on this scale,” he declared.
Regarding the contributions of Pakistan’s minority communities, the Prime Minister praised the Christian, Hindu, Sikh and Pari communities for their commitment to the nation. He noted that millions of Pakistani youth have been educated in Christian missionary schools over the past 77 years and acknowledged the significant role played by minorities in the judiciary, business and overall development of the country.
However, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the unfortunate incidents in Pakistan’s history that have harmed minority communities.
“These incidents are a stain on our history and we must ensure they never happen again,” he said, stressing the importance of continued efforts by both the federal and provincial governments to protect minority rights.
