Defence Minister Khawaja Asif today reaffirmed that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the protection of minority rights and that the government is taking concrete steps to uphold them.

Speaking at a ceremony in Sialkot, he emphasized that all citizens, regardless of their religion or creed, enjoy equal rights and status in the country. He stated that a nation’s character is reflected in its tolerance and treatment of minority communities.

The minister acknowledged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for implementing measures to safeguard minority rights and introducing the Minority Card scheme to provide relief to them.

He underscored the importance of interfaith harmony and integration, stressing that they are vital for national defence, unity, and the development of a stable society.

Earlier, Punjab Minority Affairs Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora outlined the initiatives taken by the Punjab government to protect and support minority communities.