Minorities to get equal citizenship rights: Ahsan
By Fakhar Alam

ISLAMABAD—Ministry for Minorities Affairs would take steps to give right of equal citizenship to all members of minority community after introduction of the new democratic political set up.
This was assured by Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Minorities Affairs in an interview with newsmen here on Monday. The ministry, he said, has initiated concerted efforts to increase harmony among people belonging to all religions by discouraging discrimination and prejudices at all levels.
Ahsan Iqbal said all religious festivals of minorities would be recognized officially. He stressed the need for uniting people of all faiths. The ministry has planned to celebrate World Minorities Day across thecountry every year.
Members of provincial governments would hold consultations to finalise the programmes in connection with the day, he informed. The Minister said the day would be celebrated to acknowledge and appreciate the contribution of minority community in various aspects of life.
On that day the leaders of the minority community will gather to discuss their issues. The calendar of festivals of minorities would be revised and more events would be included in this. Holidays will be declared during the festivals, he added.
In a plan of action for the next year, it will be ensured that minority community gets access to education, he said addding participation of minorities in every field of life would be ensured and their rights will be protected.
Meanwhile, On the instruction of Federal Minister of Education Prof Ahsan Iqbal, the ministry of education has asked the people to give their opinion on the draft of the education policy prepared by the previous government. The draft education policy designed by Shaukat Aziz’s government has been placed on the education ministry’s website www.meo.gov.pk. The general public of Pakistan has been requested to read the draft of previous govt’s policy and give their opinion on it to the ministry of education, said a press statement issued here on Monday.
The opinion of the people will be reflected in the coming education policy. The sources in the education ministry have revealed that the proposed new education policy will be adopted through consensus among all the stakeholders.