Minorities enjoy equal rights in country
By Angelina Bashir

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, and Incharge Minorities Affairs Ijaz-ul-Haq has said that minorities have equal rights under the constitution in Pakistan. He was talking to a seven-member delegation from United Kingdom led by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan William, which called on him.
The minister said that President Musharraf has restored joint electorate system in the country to bring unity among the people of Pakistan. He said 10 seats of the National Assembly and 23 seats in the four Provincial Assemblies have been reserved for minorities. Ijaz ul Haq said that minorities have also been given due representation in the local bodies.
He said the Government has set up a National Commission for Minorities under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Minorities. He added it has also introduced a national cultural award scheme to promote the culture of minorities. The Minister informed the delegation that the President has promulgated ordinance 2002 for the safety and protection of communal properties of Minorities in the country.
He said that government also provides financial assistance to the affectees of the natural calamities in the country. He said that an amount of 70 million has been allocated for the welfare of the minorities in the budget. He said that special development fund has also been allocated for various schemes to help the minorities every year.
The Minister informed the delegation that government is taking concrete steps to create sectarian harmony in the country. He said the President has given the concept of enlightened moderation and taking every possible step to root out terrorism and extremism from the country.
The Minister thanked and appreciated the relief assistance donated by the entire world including UK For the quake affectees. The Archbishop of Canterbury appreciated the Government for the measures being taken for the welfare of minorities in Pakistan.
Secretary Religious Affairs and Secretary Minorities Affairs, Vakil Ahmed Khan and Mian Muhammad Jameel and senior officials of both the Ministries were also present in the meeting.