Message of peace, unity promoted on Minorities Day

Islamabad
On the occasion of Minorities Day and in recognition of the efforts and sacrifices of religious minorities, All Pakistani Minorities Alliance (APMA) Chairman Dr Paul Bhatti organised a function at the Marriott Hotel with the aim to join hands to promote peace, unity and prosperity.
The event was attended by religious leaders of all faiths; about a dozen diplomats, including Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina Rodolfo Martin Saravia and a large number of people from the minority community living in Islamabad. The MC for the evening was parish priest of Pensara Diocese, Faisalabad, Dr. Father Pervaiz Emmanuel.
As is the norm for largely attended events where political entities are invited, the function began late waiting for the chief guest, Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah who was greeted vociferously with cheers and applause on arrival. To kick start the proceedings short prayers were offered by representatives of all faiths, with the female rep of the Baha'i community, Marzieh singing hers in a beautiful voice.
It was a good feeling to hear the national anthem being sung, not only by the Full of Grace church choir but by nearly everyone in the audience, something that is not heard very often except at morning assembly in schools. The choir also sang a couple of national songs, the number 'Is Parcham kay saye talay hum aik hain" (we are all one under the flag) emphasising the message of the day.
All speakers spoke of interfaith harmony and quoted Quaid-i-Azam's words or his thoughts about how he visualised Pakistan to be -- a modern, tolerant and progressive country.
Dr Bhatti recalled his brother Shahbaz Bhatti's services to the community; voiced a few complaints and appealed that minorities should be included in affairs of state. The Dean lauded Dr Paul's efforts to promote religious freedom and social justice; paid tribute to Shahbaz Bhatti and all those who have been innocent victims of violence, assuring that the international community stands by all Pakistanis and wishes to see 'this country flourish in peace, unity, equality; justice and prosperity.'
Secretary Information, PPP parliamentarians read out a speech by former president and co-chairman PPP, Asif Ali Zardari, in which he said the party stood by the minority community.
Bishop of Lahore Diocese, Irfan Jamil spoke of family and change in mindsets.
Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Chairman Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman said he was against people of other faiths being called minorities and they should be called 'non-Muslims.' All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement Chairman Haroon Sarib Diyal made an appeal that all Pakistanis should be treated equally and lauded the previous government for its steps to address the issues faced by minorities. Catholic Bishop Faisalabad, Joseph Arshad spoke of the Christian community's contribution in times of peace and war.
Speech by Ulema Council Chairman Maulana Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi gave an insight into the work done by the council which was "more than those who espoused interfaith harmony in hotels but did nothing practical." He condemned the anomalies in our system that create hate and said that ‘qabza’ groups of different kinds were the ones that cause the most mischief.
Bishop Humphrey Peters from Peshawar began by saying he was not a 'minority' but a Pakistani Christian for which he received a hearty round of applause. "People say we cry all the time but why is this so?" he asked listing all the inequalities non-Muslims suffer but at the same time blaming the minority community for pushing itself into a corner. "We must work together otherwise the 5% of us who are left will also disappear."
He questioned the existence of the Ministry of Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Affairs, saying it had done nothing for the minorities and bemoaned the fact that while others were allowed to go abroad and visit their holy sites or places of interest, the same facility was not provided to minority groups.
Khurshid Shah spoke of the reforms made by the PPP government, adding that unfortunately they were not enough and more needs to be done, something which he will initiate in the parliament.
In conclusion, Dr Bhatti announced that in future August 11 would be termed as 'Day of National Harmony' and Khurshid Shah awarded prizes to Waris Masih (national athlete); Shahroz Tabassum (education); Safdar Mahi (vocalist) and Professor Victoria Patrick (poet and author). Needless to say the PPP came out on top during this event as the attendees cheered not only those members who were present but raised slogans in support of Bhuttos as well!