Sindh CM highlights religious harmony and minority rights

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that religious harmony is deeply embedded in the culture of Sindh, flowing through the waters of the River Indus and rooted in the soil of the province, where people of all faiths have lived together with mutual respect for centuries.

Addressing a conference held in connection with National Minorities Day at the Arts Council Karachi, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, recalling his historic policy statement in which he had declared that Hindus would cease to be Hindus and Muslims would cease to be Muslims – not in the religious sense, but in the political sense – as equal citizens of the state.

Murad Ali Shah said that while many parts of the world continue to struggle with ensuring equal rights and freedoms for religious minorities, Sindh takes pride in its long tradition of inclusivity, tolerance and respect for diversity.

Highlighting the political empowerment of minorities in Sindh, he noted that prominent minority leaders, including MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, Gianchand Israni and Hari Ram Kishori Lal, had been directly elected to legislative bodies by the people, demonstrating public trust beyond religious identities.

The Chief Minister observed that extremist and religiously fanatic elements had never found electoral acceptance in Sindh, reflecting the province’s moderate and pluralistic character.

Sharing his personal experience, Murad Ali Shah said that members of minority communities had played a significant role in shaping his educational journey. He recalled receiving his early education at St. Bonaventure’s High School in Hyderabad, established by the Christian community, followed by St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi, also founded by Christians. He later studied at D.J. Science College, established by the Hindu community, and graduated from NED University, founded through the contributions of the Parsi community.

“In this way, every minority community has contributed to my education and personal development,” he said, adding that the services rendered by minorities in the fields of education, healthcare, business and public service are an integral part of Pakistan’s progress.

Referring to his government’s commitment to merit and equal opportunity, the Chief Minister recalled a recruitment process in the Sindh Police in Mirpurkhas where minority candidates selected on open merit were initially being counted against the minority quota. “I personally intervened and directed that those selected on merit be counted separately, ensuring that reserved quota seats remained available for other eligible minority candidates,” he said.

Murad Ali Shah reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional, social and economic rights of minorities and promoting an inclusive society where every citizen enjoys equal opportunities and protection under the law.

At the conclusion of the event, a cake was cut to celebrate the birthday of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, with participants extending their greetings and best wishes to him.