Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights, Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that minorities have played a memorable role from Pakistan Movement to its progress and stability.
He was addressing as chief guest a seminar on the topic of role of minorities in Pakistan Movement at Forman Christian College, here today. Vice Principal of the college, Registrar Dr. Hamid Saeed, Kalyan Singh, Arun Kumar Kundani, Amernath Randhawa, Michelle Chaudhry, Dr. Azaria, Anthony Richard and Dr. Christy Munir also addressed the function and highlighted the role of minorities for the creation of Pakistan and its progress and development. A large number of students and teachers besides representatives of religious minorities attended the function. Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that March 23 reminds of the historic struggle of the people of the subcontinent under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam for the setting up of an independent country. He said that minorities have played a commendable role for creation of Pakistan and development of different sectors especially education, defense and health. Paying tributes to the services of minorities for social and economic development of the country, Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that minorities have equal rights under the constitution of Pakistan and Quaid-e-Azam in his speech on August 11 had highlighted their role as Pakistanis. Referring to the history of Pakistan Movement, Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that Christian community had decided voluntarily to support Pakistan and make every sacrifice for its creation. He also referred to the role of educational institutions being run by Christian community as well as paid rich tributes to the services of Ralia Ram, Headmaster Fazal Elahi, Dewan Bahadur, SP Singha, Jogindarnath Mandal, Lalu Koto Ram, Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius, Joshua Fazal Din, labaour leader Alfred Parshard, Theodore Phailbus and others. Khalil Tahir Sandhu appreciated the steps taken by Punjab government for the welfare and betterment of minorities and declared the support of Chief Minister Punjab to minorities as exemplary. He also informed about setting up of religious harmony committees by Department for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs in 36 districts, five percent quota for minorities in government jobs, scholarships of 300 million rupees for minorities students, return of Gordon College and Murray College to minorities, annual development package of one billion rupees to minorities, marriage registration and measures under National Action Plan, Christians bazaars, Women Packages besides elimination of child labour and domestic violence. A special documentary film was also exhibited on this occasion regarding the services of minorities in Pakistan Movement and different sectors while special prayers were offered for progress and prosperity of the country.