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Date: 13/08/2009   

Remarks by the Foreign Minister at Pakistan People’s Party Foreign Liaison Committee Dinner

Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti,

Madam Farah Ispahani,

Ms. Saima Khar,

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for inviting me to speak on a subject that has always been close to the hearts of all great leaders of our nation.

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto dedicated their lives to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination. These principles formed the foundation of our Constitution. These were the fundamental tenets which defines our struggle to establish a democratic, tolerant and peaceful polity in Pakistan.

Excellencies,

Islam, which is the religion of the majority of this country, enjoins its adherents to protect their neighbours regardless of religion, caste and creed. It is the duty of every Muslim to promote brotherhood and bring moderation, balance and harmony in his social conduct. Islam is against mischief and anarchy; it rejects extremism and terrorism; it lays emphasis on interfaith cooperation and harmony. Unity in diversity is the hallmark of Islamic traditions.

These traditions are threatened by certain extremist ideologies. We must prevent the followers of these ideologies from violating the fundamental message of our religion. They must not be allowed to use the cover of religion to promote their violent agendas even if, for this purpose, we have to take stronger political, legal and administrative measures.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

True democracy mainstreams minority communities. It inspires deep sense of security and protection among them. It gives them confidence to manifest their distinct religious and cultural identities and traditions. It supports their aspirations to fully and equally contribute to progress and development of their society.

We are striving to build a true democratic system in Pakistan. It is for this reason that promotion of pluralism, multiculturalism and reconciliation is high on our agenda. Promotion of these ideals was, in fact, the lifetime mission of our great leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who always considered discrimination and inequality more un-Islamic than anything else.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We want to enable our minorities to claim their rights. Empowerment of minority communities is, therefore, the centerpiece of our political programme. The Government has planned to provide suitable representation to minorities in the Senate. In addition, efforts are underway to enhance reserved seats for minorities in the National and provincial assemblies.

For quite some time, our minorities have been demanding review of certain laws which could impinge on their fundamental rights. The government is reviewing all these laws with the intention to appropriately amend them in consultation with minority communities.

Special programmes for promoting socio-economic development of minorities have been launched. We believe that education is the main tool to help communities break vicious circle of poverty. The Government is trying to help minority students realize their educational goals through special financial assistance programme. In addition, 5% percent quota has been reserved for minorities in all Government jobs. The Ministry of Minorities Affairs is periodically organizing public awareness programmes to highlight the problems minorities are facing and their possible solutions. 

Notwithstanding our efforts, religious intolerance and hatred remains a challenge. 

This problem has varied sources. It is fueled by the cultural implications of globalization; strengthened by the abuse of ideological framework of the war against terrorism; deepened by longstanding disputes and nurtured by the denial of legitimate political and economic rights by dictatorial regimes.

We shall work with relevant national and international actors to deal with the challenge of intolerance, bigotry and fanaticism in a comprehensive manner. However, whatever the reasons, no one will be allowed to resort to violence against minorities

Incidents like Gojra remind us of our vulnerabilities as well as responsibilities in the context of our frontline line role against extremism and terrorism.

We are determined to prevent recurrence of Gojra. For this purpose, legal and administrative structures are being reviewed and strengthened.

Simultaneously, bigoted mindset that contributes to violence must also be appropriately tackled. We must carefully guard against incitement to hatred, violence and defamation of all religions. 

Interfaith understanding and harmony has to be taken to the grassroot-level. In this regard, constitution of district-level Interfaith Harmony Committees is a good initiative. This will educate people to respect each others’ religions and cultural traditions. In this process, not only the Government but civil society, private sector and media have a key role to play.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On 11 August 1947, our founding father elaborated the vision of a pluralist, inclusive, progressive and democratic state of Pakistan. The democratic government of Pakistan is committed to giving true realization to this vision. We shall, Insha Allah, succeed in establishing an environment in which our succeeding generations will live in peace, reconciliation and complete harmony irrespective of religious and sectarian denominations.

Thank you.