Minorities to be treated as equal citizens in Naya Pakistan: PM

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government will ensure that minorities are treated as equal citizens in Naya Pakistan, in accordance with Quaid-e-Azam's vision.

In his message to the nation on Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's birth anniversary, Prime Minister Imran said, “Quaid envisaged Pakistan as a democratic, just and compassionate nation. Most importantly he wanted our minorities to be equal citizens.” 

He added that it should be remembered that his [Quaid-e-Azam’s] early political career was as an ambassador for Hindu-Muslim unity. "His struggle for a separate nation for Muslims only started when he realised that Muslims would not be treated as equal citizens by the Hindu majority," the premier tweeted. 

"Naya Pakistan is Quaid's Pakistan and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India,” he added. 

President's message on Quaid's birthday 

President Dr Arif Alvi in his message said that Quaid-e-Azam united the discordant Muslims of subcontinent and welded them into a nation and secured a separate and independent homeland for them where they could spend their lives in accordance with their own customs and traditions. 

"He steered the Muslim of sub-continent during the most tumultuous times and enabled them to withstand heavy odds and to achieve independence through a democratic struggle," the president said.

President Alvi continued, "Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and thoughts are as relevant today as they were seven decades ago. We need to follow his principles of 'Unity, Faith and Discipline', wholeheartedly."