KARACHI: To recognize and hail the services of minorities in foundation and progress of Pakistan, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), has organized a reception in the honor of minorities, in connection with the Independence Day celebrations.
Members of Christian, Hindu, Sikh and other religions participated in the beautiful event that presented a perfect example of interfaith harmony.
To highlight the lesson of equality that Islam preaches, no special arrangements were made for leaders and designators.
Addressing the participants, the key speaker JI Secretary General Liaquat Balouch said that the gathering is not only a reception in its nature but is a representative Jirga of patriotic Pakistanis.
Paying tribute to the services of religious minorities, he shed light on the first cabinet of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and said that Jogandar Nath Mandal who was a Hindu and Sir Zafarullah who was a Qadyani were serving in the first cabinet of Pakistan.
The JI leader said that it was their belief that when Masajids are save in Pakistan than Temples, Churches, Gurdawaras and other worship places should also be saved.
He said that security of minorities’ worship places is also an issue of our national honour and pride.Balouch was of the view that those elements who want to destabilize Pakistan are involved in attacks on minorities.He thanked the role of minorities in general and Mr. John Paul in particular for raising their voice against sketches of Muhammad (S.A.W).He said that we should resolve to fight against terrorism in the name of religions and sects. He said that we should also struggle against those who impose their views forcefully on others.
Dr. Meraj-ul-Huda Siddique, Amir JI Sindh, in his address said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had stated in his historical speech that you are free to join your prayers in Churches, Temples and other religious places, he said and added that today this multi-religious ceremony is evident that no one can breach the unity of Pakistanis.
He expressed his resolve to safeguard each and every church, temple and other places of worship, just like a Masjid of Muslims. He said that minorities should be provide with proper justice and security, so as they could enjoy a sense of security and play their due role in progress of Pakistan. Doctor Siddiqui urged members of minorities to be united against those who oppressed.
JI leader Asadullah Bhutto says that Islam and JI have nothing to do with terrorism. He said that being Muslims we equally value to worship places of all faiths. He said that the culprits of minorities as well as Muslims are those who are plundering the resources of the country and taxes paid by masses.
JI Karachi chief Engr. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman welcomed the participants. He said that JI’s stance is very clear that being human rights of each and every person, regardless of their religion, is equal, as per the teachings of Islam.
He said that religious minorities’ representatives know very well, how JI’s representatives joined them in the hour of their need and chaos. He said that doors of JI are always open for anyone. “Though we don’t have government, we well always support you without enquiring your religious identity,” he said.
The JI leader said that only minority in Pakistan is that which who is usurping the rights of others, spreading terrorism and killing and all citizens of Pakistan have to be united against these thugs. He also made it clear the Islam does not permit to force anyone to convert and change one’s religion.
Church of Pakistan representative Father Fradrak, Saleem Michel of Catholic Mission, Council of Sikh Association’s Sardar Ramesh Singh, Ex MPA Shankar Lal, Dr.Jagpal of Pakistan Hindu Forum, Amanual-Rafique, JI minority wing chief Younas Khan secretary Pervez Barkat, Sister Aarian James and others also expressed their views. They said that interfaith harmony and unity among all religious groups of Pakistan is the need of the hour and only way forward for the progress of Pakistan.
The minority religious and social leaders hailed the role of JI for breaking the barriers among several religious groups. They shed light on the universal and Devine message of peace and love.
Father Fradrak said that though we belong to separate religions, we are all equal citizens of Pakistan so we should be united and serve humanity. Michel said that JI’s constitution is admireable. Ramesh Singh said, “We consider that JI leader Siraj-ul-Haq is the only representative of minorities in parliament.”
Shankar Lal highlighted the plight of Hindus in Sindh and asked JI leaders to play their role so as to mitigate the miseries of Hindus in Pakistan in general and Sindh in particular.
Pervez Barkat said that being Christians we are engaged in Jihad of eliminating the differences among various religious groups in Pakistan.
Dr.Jagpal also urged JI leadership to become the voice of minorities and adopt their issues and put them in their manifesto.
The minorities’ leaders presented their problems and pleaded the JI leaders to be their voice in parliament and other forums.
