Citizens believe in protection to minorities

Commuters of sharp memory optimistically waiting for a Metro bus at a Rawalpindi or Islamabad station on a rainy day recall how when about five years ago nearly 40,000 people were at risk from flooding of the landslide-spawned lake in Ataabad of Hunza the human safety had revived the spirit of sympathy for the victims of natural calamity among the masses, including non-Muslims.
Today, if there’s any dust-storm and torrential rain and disaster anywhere in the country, they recall the contribution of the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Liaquat Ali Khan to the cause of humanity without any discrimination.
Former provincial health minister Malik Abdul Qayyum and Prof. Sajjad Haider remind fellow citizens of a 1948 broadcast talk of the architect of Pakistan: “We follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), we’re members of the brotherhood of Islam in which we all are equal in right, dignity and self-respect, and, consequently, we’ve a special and deep sense of unity; Islam demands from us the tolerance of other creeds and we welcome in closest association with all those who, of whatever creed, are themselves willing and ready to play their part as true and loyal citizens of Pakistan.”
In the same context, city elders stress the Quaid’s reply to Lord Mountbatten’s address in the Constituent Assembly wherein he said the tolerance and goodwill showed by Emperor Akbar to all the non-Muslims was not of recent origin. That pro-human approach dated back 13 centuries ago when Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), not only by words but by deeds, treated the Jews and Christians with the most tolerance and regard and respect for their faiths and beliefs.
What do the ordinary citizens hit by rains and meat price hike whisper? They want their leaders remain inspired by the leadership and character of the Quaid-i-Azam, and bear in mind the concept of brotherhood, equality and fraternity. Islam stands for justice, fair play, toleration and even generosity to non-Muslims in our protection -- they are like brothers to us and, as the father of the nation declared, the citizens of the state.
About the status and position of minorities, old citizens say the point be judged in the light of the Quaid’s sayings.
Relevant in this regard is one of the news conferences of the Quaid at which he declared that minorities to which ever community they may belong, would be safeguarded. Their religion or faith or belief would be secure. They would have their protection with regard to their religion, their faith, their life, their culture.
But the minorities have their responsibilities also, and they would play their part in the affairs of the state.
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