Faisalabad: August 17, 2012. (PCP) Peace and Human Development (PHD Foundation) in collaboration with CARE Foundation organized a seminar entitled “Vision for a Democratic and Peaceful Pakistan” to observe Independence Day of Pakistan on August 14, 2012 in Faisalabad. The people from different religious backgrounds took part in the ceremony to pay homage to the people particularly minority leaders, making their significant contribution towards the creation and development of the country. At this juncture, the national anthem was played, and national flag was jointly hoisted by the Muslim and Christian political and social leaders. The youth sang national songs and presented tableaus attired in cultural dresses. At the event, the speakers of the seminar urged the government to follow in the footsteps of the founder of Pakistan, and run the country according to his vision and policy for uniting citizens as a nation, as he is the binding force. The vision of the founding father must be included in the constitution so that Pakistan becomes a democratic and peaceful country accommodating all its citizens without discrimination on the basis of religion, sect, ethnicity, caste or sexual orientation. The Director of the PHD Foundation, Suneel Malik said, “The current state of affair in Pakistan is far from the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who outlined the contours of a modern and tolerant state in his historic address to the first constituent assembly on August 11, 1947.” “The legacy of Jinnah must be followed and incorporated in the preamble of the constitution of Pakistan as a guiding principle to make Pakistan a democratic and peaceful society free of discrimination and distinction on any ground against any of the social and religious groups in Pakistan, and open to people of all races and religions where everyone enjoys equal rights,” he demanded. The coordinator of the AWAM, Shazia George said, “The trends of abduction, forced conversion, discrimination and violence have threatened the life and property of the weaker communities in Pakistan, and pushed the religious minorities to migrate.” “The urgent efforts by the government are required to eliminate the class structure and ensure the well-being of people particularly marginalized groups, in order to make the state of Pakistan prosperous and progressive,” she added. The member of the provincial assembly, Rana Afzal Khan said, “The religious minorities face diverse challenges despite the fact that they have made major contributions to the birth and upbringing of Pakistan.” “The communal harmony is bound to improve over time; therefore we must not lose hope, and should contribute our part towards bringing about positive change in the behaviors and lives of the Pakistani citizens to build a society that upholds the principles of equality, justice and tolerance,” he added. The Director of the AWAM, Nazia Sardar said, “We should celebrate the cultures and contributions of the diverse communities, and must understand, respect and tolerate the diversity existing within communities to break social boundaries and overcome differences for ensuring peaceful coexistence.” The president of the CARE Foundation, Yousaf Adnan said, “It is imperative on the part of the government to initiate dialogue and debate across the country on the disastrous effects of the menace of intolerance, for the promotion of ethno-religious harmony.” Father James Bahadur said, “All religions promote peace and reject hatred, therefore, citizens of Pakistan must make sincere efforts to eliminate rifts and bridge the gaps between groups having different religions and sects.” Saleem Aftab said, “The leaders from minority community have played a significant role since the creation of Pakistan, but it is pity that their contribution is omitted from the official history.” Yousaf Anjum said, “The integration of objective resolution in the constitution of Pakistan is the root cause of religion driven discrimination and violence in Pakistan.”