Political leaders across Pakistan on Monday marked National Minorities Day, reaffirming commitments to protect the constitutional, social, and economic rights of non-Muslim citizens and to uphold the vision of the country’s founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the protection of minority rights is not only a constitutional responsibility but also a religious duty. Referring to Jinnah’s historic Aug. 11, 1947 speech, he said it serves as an ideological guarantee for a secure future for minorities in Pakistan. He praised members of minority communities who have laid down their lives for the country’s defense and vowed to work collectively for national progress without discrimination.

President Asif Ali Zardari said the day is a reminder of Jinnah’s vision and the constitutional guarantee of equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion, caste, or ethnicity. He said Pakistan has taken steps for the welfare and empowerment of minorities since the day was officially declared in 2009, and pledged continued efforts to promote interfaith harmony.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan was founded on the golden Islamic principles of justice, equality, and tolerance, which will always remain its foundation. He emphasized that the safety of minorities, their places of worship, and their full participation in national life are priorities for the state.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani said minorities have played an important role in the country’s development and stability, and their services in various fields remain significant. He said the upper house would continue to work to protect their rights.

Pakistan Peoples Party Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said safeguarding minority rights is the responsibility of both the state and its citizens, recalling that the observance of National Minorities Day was introduced by President Zardari in 2009.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz called minorities the “beauty and crown” of Pakistani society.

She highlighted provincial initiatives, including the introduction of the Minority Card scheme that provides quarterly stipends to thousands of families, legal recognition of Sikh and Hindu marriage acts, and significant budget allocations for the restoration of religious sites and scholarships for minority students. She announced that festivals such as Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter will be celebrated at the official level for the first time in the province.

National Minorities Day has been observed annually on Aug. 11 since 2009 to recognize the contributions of non-Muslim citizens to Pakistan’s progress and to reaffirm their constitutional and social rights.