CM vows to protect minorities at all costs

Karachi

On the National Minorities Day, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday celebrated his 54th birthday with members of Karachi's religious minority communities. 

As per a statement, the chief minister visited the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Swaminarayan Mandir and a gurdwara to express his solidarity with the religious minorities.

The chief minister, along with some of his cabinet members, visited the church in the morning where he was received by Bishop Daniel Sadiq.

At the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the school girls clad in uniform played flute and drum to welcome him in a befitting manner.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister lauded the services of the religious minorities for the development of Pakistan, especially in education and health sectors.

"I am proud of receiving education from a Christian missionary school which have contributed a lot to my educational progress," he said.

Syed Murad Ali Shah said that his government and party were committed to the cause of minorities' rights.

"In my cabinet, the party leadership has added a Christian special assistant to give representation to the community," he said and added that he would be looking after their problems personally.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Daniel Sadiq welcomed the chief minister and lauded his gesture to celebrate the National Minorities’ Day with them.

The audience, including the chief minister, stood up and observed a two-minute silence to mourn the Quetta tragedy.

The programme was concluded with the celebration of the chief minister's birthday.

Later on, the chief minister went to the Swaminarayan Mandir where he was received by Hindu community leaders, who showered rose petals on him.

At the temple, the chief minister lit up a candle in memory of the victims of the Quetta blast.

While attending the programme in the temple, Murad Ali Shah also celebrated his birthday by cutting a cake.