On August 11, 1947, in what would become one of the most defining moments in Pakistan’s history, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the first Constituent Assembly with words that continue to resonate deeply across the country. “You are free,” he declared, “you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.” This powerful message was not merely aspirational rhetoric; it was a foundational principle for a vibrant nation envisaged to uphold religious freedom, equality, and dignity for all citizens-regardless of their caste, color, or faith.

Today, nearly eight decades later, that vision finds renewed expression in the Punjab Government’s initiative to observe a “Minority Week” to honor the important role and services rendered by the religious minorities in the development of Pakistan. Celebrated from August 7 to August 11, 2025, the event was launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and stands as a milestone in the state’s commitment to inclusivity and interfaith harmony. The initiative serves not only as a tribute to the contributions of Pakistan’s religious minorities but also as a reaffirmation of national unity, rooted in the ideals of justice and societal pluralism.

Islamic teachings offer robust support for the respectful and dignified treatment of all non-Muslims.

The inaugural ceremony, held at the historic Cathedral Church of Resurrection in Lahore, presented a vivid tableau of Pakistan’s diverse religious and cultural heritage. In an atmosphere filled with both solemn reverence and patriotic fervor, chants of “Long Live Pakistan Army” echoed through the hall as the attendees paid rich tribute to the armed forces for their critical role in ensuring the country’s sovereignty and internal peace, particularly after the successful culmination of Operation ”Bunyan Marsoos.” The symbolism of launching such a significant event in a place of worship for the minority community was not lost on observers.........

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