National Minority Day has been celebrated in Pakistan to highlight the services and sacrifices of minorities in the creation of Pakistan.

The day was marked on August 11 and also recognised the contribution made my minorities is the building of the nation.

It was made up of various events including seminars and gathering across the country by members different religious minorities.

At the formation of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah said in his opening speech said: “You are free to go to your temples; you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this state of Pakistan.

“You may belong to any caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”

He also cited to Article 20 of the constitution which states every citizen shall have the right to profess, practice and propagate his religion.

The religious minorities of Pakistan have made a considerable contribution in different fields of society including health, education, defense, and social welfare.

The day also serves to promote interfaith harmony, creating unity, peace, equity and justice in this society.

In his message, provincial caretaker Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Chaudhary Faisal Mushtaq pledged to protect the rights of minority communities in Pakistan.