ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, emphasized on Thursday that eradicating extremism and prejudices is not only aligned with Islamic religious norms and history but also stands as a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s ideology.
Speaking at the International Peace Festival in Islamabad, he commended the National Counter Terrorism Authority for its crucial efforts to combat extremism and terrorism within society.
Solangi underscored how extremism poses a significant threat to peace and provides fertile ground for the growth of terrorism. He expressed the belief that safeguarding the rights of minorities is deeply rooted in Pakistan’s foundation, as the country emerged in opposition to the concept of a majoritarian Hindu state in the Subcontinent.
He pointed out that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his August 11, 1947 speech, elaborated on the rights of minorities and stressed that Islam teaches compassion towards all of humanity, regardless of caste or creed.
Equality for All in Pakistan
Highlighting the agenda of anti-peace entities that seek to undermine Pakistan’s strength through the targeting of minorities, Solangi asserted that every citizen in Pakistan enjoys equal rights. He emphasized that promoting and protecting minority rights based on the principle of equality serves as a powerful weapon against extremism. He emphasized that the time has come to eliminate all forms of prejudice from society, as it is an integral part of Pakistan’s founding ideology.
Furthermore, the minister noted that 22 years ago in 2001, the United Nations designated September 21 as the International Day of Peace. He added that 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signifying an important milestone in itself.
