Minorities in Pakistan have religious freedom: Naek
20 January, 2012
ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Farooq H Naek has said that minorities in Pakistan are free to profess their religion and visit their places of worship. Naek expressed these views while talking to a Canadian parliamentary delegation led by Chungsen Leung that called on him at Parliament House on Thursday. Pakistan and Canada enjoyed excellent relations, which were based on strong foundations of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, he said, adding that the presence of more than 300,000 Pakistanis in Canada gave a special meaning to the relationship. Naek said that these Pakistanis acted as a bridge of friendship between the two countries and it was encouraging to know that Pakistani immigrants in Canada were increasingly contributing their due share to the Canadian society and economy. While briefing the delegation on minorities in Pakistan, the Senate chairman said the minorities continue to make invaluable contribution for development, peace and prosperity of Pakistan, adding that the government was committed to fully harness the potential and contribution of the minorities in all walks of life. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and status to all citizens, irrespective of religion, race, caste, colour or creed, he said. There were 10 reserved seats for minorities in National Assembly and four seats had been reserved for minorities in the Senate, he informed the delegation. Minorities also had reserved seats in all provincial assemblies, he added. While talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, the Senate chairman said that Pakistan offered enormous opportunities for overseas investments, adding that Canada should take advantage of the investor-friendly atmosphere prevailing in Pakistan. We are eager to expand collaboration on bilateral economic and trade matters, he said. Naek said, "We are the biggest victims of terrorism as we have lost about 30,000 innocent civilians and about 5,000 brave personnel of armed and security forces. ` End.
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