ISLAMABAD, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that the government prioritizes welfare, well-being and equal rights of all minorities in the South Asian country.
"It is our responsibility to protect the rights of minorities and appreciate their key role in the country's development and progress," the prime minister said on the occasion of the National Minorities Day being observed on Monday.
Pakistan is proud of its minorities' patriotism, professional hard work and attachment to national heritage and culture, he said, adding that it is a matter of satisfaction that minorities in Pakistan enjoy all political, economic and social rights under the Constitution of Pakistan.
"Protection of the rights of minorities is a constitutional obligation that advocates the protection of civil, religious and social rights of minorities. All stakeholders in the country play a key role in protecting the religious and social freedom of minorities," the prime minister said.
Regardless of color and race, Sharif said the Pakistani government reaffirmed its resolve to fulfill national duties in a unified manner to protect minorities' rights, while encouraging their inclusion in the national mainstream. ■