Foreign Minister of Pakistan to Visit Turkey

Islamabad: On the invitation of Turkish Foreign Minister Prof. Dr. Ahmed Davutoglu, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ms Hina Rabbani Khar will visit Turkey from 11-12 August. Turkey’s visit is one of her first visits abroad after assumption of the office of the Foreign Minister, says a press release received here today from Ankara, Turkey.

During her stay in Turkey, she will hold consultations with her counterpart H.E. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Davutoglu on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues. Ms Khar will also call on the Turkish President and the Prime Minister.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Minorities Day

Islamabad: Minorities Day, every year on August 11, is an occasion to recognize the important role played by the minorities of Pakistan in nation building, the sacrifices rendered by them, the problems and issues faced by member of minorities as well as to renew our commitment to protect their rights and to draw them fully in the mainstream of national life.

Islam, indeed all true religions, stress higher values like equality, social justice and respect for human rights. It lays special emphasis on equal and just treatment of the disadvantaged and the minorities. The Government of Pakistan stands committed to ensure equal rights for all the minorities as enshrined in the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the UN declaration of Human Rights. Recognition of and respect for the minorities rights is part of the PPP manifesto.

August 11 also has a special significance in our national calendar. It was on this day in 1947 when the Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his historic speech to the members of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan laid down the foundations of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan in which everyone will have equal rights regardless of creed, caste and gender. That speech of the Quaid marks the state policy towards minorities rooted in the freedom to everyone to profess his religious beliefs freely and without fear or interference.

I am confident that after passage of Eighteenth Amendment the provincial governments will continue to ensure equality, freedom and security for all communities so that they can freely profess and practice their religions and also safeguard their legitimate and rightful interests.

Minorities Day is an opportunity that reminds us to reaffirm our solidarity and to work hard for the betterment of humanity and for a prosperous Pakistan. Let us on this day dedicate ourselves to continue our journey along this road.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com