Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday vowed to take action against injustice towards Hindus in Pakistan. On the eve of Diwali, Sharif said that he will stand with them against the oppressors as he is the premier of all communities.
“If a Hindu is oppressed and the oppressor is a Muslim, then I will take action against the Muslim. I will stand with you (Hindus) against the oppressor,” Sharif said, amid global concerns over violation of rights of minorities in Pakistan.
Addressing a Diwali function at a local hotel in Karachi, Sharif said it was his duty to protect the people victimised by others irrespective their cast, creed or religion.
My religion teaches me to stand with the weak and vulnerable. In fact every religion teaches us to stand with weak and oppressed people.Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Prime Minister
Sharif also said that those in Pakistan were one nation and it is time for unity and to help one another. Muslims should share happiness with the Hindus and vice versa, Sharif added.
The Prime Minister said he does not believe in religious discrimination as every Pakistani has equal rights. Sharif met with members of the Hindu community and assured them that his government was committed to protecting minority rights at all costs.
“Pakistan is a country for all and I am the Prime Minister of all Pakistanis, no matter what religion, creed or caste they belong to,” he said. Prime Minister Sharif’s remarks assume significance with leaders of the Hindu community protesting in the Parliament and outside over the problem of forced conversion of Hindu girls in the southern Sindh province.
Hindu leaders say this disturbing trend has increased in the interior areas in recent months because of government inaction.
Sharif, on the occasion, also announced the establishment of Bhagat Kanwar Ram Medical Complex in Hyderabad city. He also announced renovation of Baba Gurdwara in Nankana Sahib district of Punjab province. Attacks on Hindus and other minorities have also been reported from the restive Balochistan province.
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