ISLAMABAD, January 3: Speaker National Assembly AsadQaiser has said that religious minorities are vital part of Pakistani community and their contribution for progress and prosperity of country is praiseworthy. He said that the Parliament and government is fully cognizant of its responsibility and had safeguarded the rights and liberties enjoyed by all religious minorities guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and guiding principles of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He expressed these while talking to delegation of Hindu Yatries headed by Ms.KundanBaiJi who visited Parliament House today. Patron-in-chief Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC) Mr. Ramesh Kumar Wakwani, MNA was also present during the meeting.
Speaker National Assembly AsadQaiser said that Islam strongly underscores protection of all fundamental rights of minorities thus it is our religious obligation to protect the rights of our minorities. He said that the incumbent government has taken drastic measures to ensure their constitutional rights in the Country. Referring to the usurpation of the religious and constitutional rights of Kashmiris and the other religious minorities by the Indian Government, the Speaker said that Kashmiris are suffering under the suppression and tyranny of Indian Army and it is test of the conscience of the whole world. He said that the Kashmiri Muslims had been forbidden to practice their religious obligations. He stressed for resolution of Kashmir dispute as per aspirations of people of Kashmir and the resolutions of United Nations. He also said that it is incumbent upon international community to take cognizance of the plight of Kashmiris.
The Speaker said that Pakistan was rich in tourism potential and rich cultural and religious heritage. HE said that government had taken an initiative to promote and facilitate religious tourism in Pakistan. He expressed his optimism that the initiative will create interfaith harmony and promote true peaceful and progressive face of Pakistan. He assured his all-out support in this regard.
While mentioning about the government’s initiative of provision of Health insurance in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa and Punjab to all the citizens, the Speaker AsadQaiser said that it is first of its kind public policy initiative to provide free health services to all citizens. He said that Health Card Scheme would be replicated across the country in view of its successful implementation in KPK and Punjab. He also said that KPK is the first province which has implemented the policy of autonomy of all health institutes so that these can take independent decision regarding recruitment and other administrative affairs. – PR