Daily Times

Sir: Pakistan was established on August 14, 1947. Our nation celebrated the 70th Independence Day this year with great pride. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his speech on August 11, 1947 had categorically stated that religion has nothing to do with the business of the state. Still there is a confusion whether it was supposed to be an Islamic or a secular state.

Pakistan was obtained for the Muslims to have better economic prospects. It was set up to get freedom from the Hindu subjugation after the departure of colonial forces along with the freedom to exercise their religion. This freedom does not allow them to deprive minorities of their fundamental right of practising their religion according to their choice.

Unabated attacks on religious minorities show that we are not willing to accept the coexistence of others along with us. Islam teaches peace and tolerance to be practised while dealing with life routines. Yet our religious organisations are involved in this heinous crime of attacking peaceful citizens of other religious communities.

Let us pledge to promote love for all and hate for none. We have to make our country a safer and a better place to live in. Let’s start respecting minorities and providing them space to breathe freely. This is the incomplete agenda of the partition of Pakistan.

FAZAL HAIDER

Lahore