Daily Times

KARACHI – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that it is Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its government in Sindh which has always struggled for rights of minorities.

While addressing a gathering organised by Hindu Community at the Hindu Gymkhana to celebrate Holi, he said “The respect, equal opportunities and the equal level playing field in the entire socio-political sector the party has provided to the minorities cannot traced in any other party or the government.”

He said that in the history of the country and the province, it is the Sindh government which has passed Hindu Marriage Act under which “you will be able to lead your family life according to your customs, traditions and norms,” he said and added “it was you demand and PPP government honoured it.”

The chief minister said that following the teaching and foot prints of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohterma Benazir Bhutto, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto directed his government in Sindh to declare March 24 as public holiday to celebrate Holy. “This is unprecedented in the country and manifestation of our commitment to provide you equal opportunities to you (Hindu community),” he said.

He also appreciated the services of minorities, particularly of Hindus in the development of the province. “This is the manifestation of your patriotism and commitment with Pakistan, Sindh and the people of country,” he said. He also said that the credit of fielding a minority candidate, Dr Mahesh in the last general election from Tharparkar goes to PPP and “it was your commitment with the PPP that you returned Dr Mahesh in the election,” he appreciated them.

The chief minister congratulated the Hindu community on the eve of Holi on behalf of him and on behalf of the PPP leadership. “Our chairman, Bilawal Bhutto is going to Umerkot tomorrow (Thursday) to celebrate Holi with you,” he said.

The chief minister was accompanied by the provincial ministers, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Gianchand Israni, MPA Pesu Mal and others. They presented traditional gifts of ajrak, topi and sweetmeat to the chief minister.