Letter published in the Daily Frontier Post

The daily Frontier Post
http://www.thefrontierpost.com
December 19,2008

Minorities Day or Segregation Day
Anjum James Paul Director Shadow Organization
Mr. Yousaf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan in his speech during a Christmas dinner on December 16, 2008 announced August 11 as a Minorities Day every year. I am unable to understand why to celebrate the Minorities Day? The founder of Pakistan the Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947 but not to the minorities of Pakistan. It is unfortunate that the ideology of Pakistan which was presented by Mr. Jinnah before the existence of a new born Pakistani nation was sacked immediately after his death in the shape of the Objective Resolution in 1949 which was passed by Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan the then Prime Minister of Pakistan. The founder of this nation did not want Pakistan a theocratic state but we have seen that his ideology is lost as there is no true democracy, justice and equal rights to all. Religious minorities are suffering much due to the bias and discrimination in the textbooks especially against Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroasters. There is bias and discrimination in the educational, social and political institutions of Pakistan. Minorities are segregated as there are not equal rights for them. The Prime Minister further expressed in his speech to create the culture of peace and harmony. To create peace and harmony firm steps must be taken by the government of Pakistan repealing biases and discrimination against the minorities on all level. There must be respect of the minorities and their religious teachings in the textbooks. Minorities, humbly request the Prime Minister of Pakistan to repeal all discriminatory laws against them immediately otherwise Minorities Day will be a clear indication there is discrimination in Pakistan against the minorities .There are chances of confrontation between the majority and minority religion which can cause problem celebrating this day. We want to have the status of equal Pakistani without the distinction of minority or majority. Pakistan is a motherland of all Pakistanis but not of a particular religion or race. We have all to make our efforts for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. It can only be possible when there is equality, justice, peace ,harmony ,tolerance and brotherhood.