Fazlur Rehman calls protection of minority rights a constitutional, religious duty

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday said protecting the rights of minorities was not only a constitutional requirement but also a religious, moral and political responsibility.

In a message marking International Minority Rights Day, Fazlur Rehman said Islam clearly guaranteed the rights of minorities to life, property, honour and religious freedom.

He said all minorities living in Pakistan were equal citizens and that the state was responsible for protecting their rights without discrimination.

The JUI-F chief said safeguarding minority rights was essential for promoting religious harmony, peace and justice in the country.

He said people of different religions and nationalities could live together in Pakistan with mutual respect and brotherhood, adding that Islam taught humanity, peace and tolerance.

Fazlur Rehman called for practical steps at the national level to ensure protection of minorities’ lives, property, places of worship and religious freedom.

He also stressed that children belonging to minority communities should be provided equal opportunities in education, development and advancement.

Referring to the past, he said Mufti Mahmood had declared in 1972 that educational institutions belonging to minorities would not be taken over by the government without their consent.

Fazlur Rehman said respect and tolerance among all religions and sects should be promoted to strengthen peace, national unity and stability.

He said Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam would continue to play its religious, moral and political role in protecting the constitutional and human rights of minorities.

He urged the state to ensure that every citizen in Pakistan was provided dignity, justice and security without discrimination.