Ghazi University marks Minorities Day, reaffirms equal rights and harmony

Members of the non-Muslim community from Dera Ghazi Khan, including Mr. Saleem Ilyas and Mr. Boota Masih, and others attended the ceremony

Dera Ghazi Khan: The Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan observed National Minorities Day today on the special directions of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad. The event, organized by the Directorate of Students Affairs and hosted by Prof. Dr. Arshad Munir, brought together members of the non-Muslim community and university officials to highlight the equal rights, religious freedom, and contributions of minorities in Pakistan.

Members of the non-Muslim community from Dera Ghazi Khan, including Mr. Saleem Ilyas and Mr. Boota Masih, and others attended the ceremony. Senior university officials, Registrar Dr. Muhammad Asif, Prof. Dr. Saeed Ullah, Dr. Muhammad Ziaullah, Director ORIC Dr. Sagheer Atta, Dr. Irum Aziz, Dr. Khizra Bakhsh, and other faculty members were also in the event.

The programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by an M.Phil scholar from the Department of Islamic Studies, followed by the recitation of verses from the Injeel (Gospel) by Mr. Boota Masih. Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim then presented a Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Thereafter, the National Anthem of Pakistan was played, with all participants standing in respect.

In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Arshad Munir highlighted the significance of National Minorities Day in Pakistan. He acknowledged the historic contributions of the non-Muslim community to the establishment of Pakistan and their continued role in strengthening the nation. On behalf of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, he extended an open invitation to members of the non-Muslim community to visit Ghazi University and enrol their children for higher education, assuring that the university would provide full facilitation and support in this regard.

Two documentaries were screened during the event. The first showcased the establishment and progressive transformation of Ghazi University under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad. The second, prepared by the Directorate of Students Affairs, highlighted the efforts of non-Muslim personalities and movements that played a vital role in the creation of Pakistan and in its subsequent development.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Saleem Ilyas expressed gratitude to the university administration for inviting members of the non-Muslim community and honouring them. He stated that minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete liberty, freedom of livelihood and worship, and equal rights alongside citizens of all other faiths.

Mr. Boota Masih also thanked the university for the respect and affection extended to the community. He said non-Muslims feel comfortable and content in Dera Ghazi Khan, actively participate in local festivities, and remain an integral part of the social fabric. Extending a gesture of interfaith harmony, he invited all participants to visit their church.

A cake marking National Minorities Day was cut by the honourable guests, symbolising unity and equality among people of all religions. Refreshments were also served to the participants.

The Director Students’ Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Salman Haider presented the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme. The event conveyed a clear message of equal rights, religious freedom, and interfaith harmony, reaffirming that minorities are valued partners in Pakistan’s national progress and social cohesion.