Toronto, Canada: Mr. Peter Bhatti, Chairman of International Christian Voice said “On Pakistan’s National Minorities Day, Pakistan’s founding father Quid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah addressed the first Constituent Assembly and laid the foundation for an equal and democratic Pakistan” 

Today we remember the sacrifices and contributions of religious minorities along with our Muslim brethren in the creation of Pakistan. We acknowledge the services of our brothers and sisters in the development and prosperity of our motherland.

On this day Mr. Jinnah asked Jogendra Nath Mandal, who belonged to the Hindu Schedule caste, to preside in the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. He purposely did this because he wanted to send the message that every religion would be treated equally in the state of Pakistan. 

Despite the injustices that religious minorities face in Pakistan daily, they continue to be loyal to their country and have always been ready to make sacrifices for their homeland.

On this day we especially acknowledge the sacrifice of our great hero Martyr Shahbaz Bhatti who gave his life to see Pakistan develop and prosper as per the vision of Quid-e-Azam Mohmmed Ali Jinnah. He passionately believed in creating a Pakistan in which everyone would live in peace and harmony and as equal citizens. It is because of his untiring efforts that the government of Pakistan officially recognized August 11th as National Minorities Day. 

Today, people from all faiths and communities are gathered around the world to show solidarity to one another and send a message of peace, love, and harmony to those who are try to divide on religious grounds. There is no place for such ideologies in this world and we will continue our efforts to ensure the freedom of religion for everyone, everywhere.