Minorities in Pakistan playing key role in nation building; PM Pakistan

Minorities in Pakistan playing key role in nation building; PM
ISLAMABAD, Apr 14 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday said minorities in Pakistan were playing a vital role in nation building and reiterated his government’s resolve to provide them better facilities. Addressing a delegation of Sikh yatrees, currently in Pakistan to celebrate Besakhi, the Prime Minister said the government was proceeding on the path to implement the Charter of Democracy that seeks representation for the minorities in the Upper House.
The Prime Minister said two members from the minorities were already part of the Senate and the government was benefitting from their advise on national matters and issues related to the minorities.

The Prime Minister said the government was providing multiple entry visas to the members of non‑Indian Sikh community and said he wished to facilitate more Sikhs from India to visit Pakistan. However he regretted that the relations with India have soured following the Mumbai attacks.

He said he believed in inter‑faith harmony and to bring people from all faiths together for the betterment of the country and the nation.

Gilani said his government was endeavoring to provide best possible facilities to the Sikh yatrees and understands their religious needs and obligations. In this regard he cited the setting up of the Prabandhak Committee to deal with the problems of the Sikh community.

The members of the Sikh delegation lauded the role of the government in facilitating them. They particularly regretted the negative propaganda being unleashed against Pakistan and of threats of terrorism in the international media.

They noted that this propaganda was aimed at tarnishing the image of Pakistan and prayed for safety, security and solidarity of the country. They were also appreciative of the warm hospitatlity shown by the people of Pakistan and said they did not see any threats or fear as was being propagated.

The delegation members pointed at the facilities provided at the railway station, transportation to Nankana sahib and excellent boarding and lodging.

They were also appreciative of the good upkeep of the various gurdawars in the country. They urged the Prime Minister for multiple entry five to ten year visas for the community.

Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti invited the Prime Minister for the ground breaking ceremony of the Nankana university to be established on 250 acres.

with thanks : http://www.app.com.pk