ROME, Oct 01 (APP): Federal Minister for Minorities Shehbaz Bhatti on Thursday said that Pope Benedict‑XVI while appreciating the steps taken by Pakistan’s democratic government for the protection of minorities’ rights and promotion of interfaith harmony, underscored the need to fostering harmony among the diverse religions and welfare of the humanity. In an interview with APP here today after meeting of President Asif Ali Zardari with Pope Benedict ‑ XVI at Vatican, the Minister who accompanied the president on the occasion, said the Pope lauded the steps initiated for the welfare and protection of the minorities and expressed hope that their problems would be addressed on priority basis.
The Pope, he said, also praised the government for inducting Minister from Minorities in the federal cabinet adding, Vatican would make efforts along with Pakistani government to resolve the problems of minorities.
The minister further said the President informed Pope Benedict during the meeting that civilian elected government believed in protecting the rights of the minorities in Pakistan and was keen to foster such society where all the people could lead their lives sans any discrimination of creed, colour and caste.
The President, he further said, told the Pope that PPP rendered untold sacrifices in struggle for democracy and human rights, that is why nobody would be allowed to infringe upon the rights of minorities in the guise of religious sentiments.
The government will take measures to check the misuse of blasphemy laws after consulting with all the political forces, minorities leaders and civil society, the Minister stated quoting the President as having expressed at the meeting with Pope.
The government also prepared plans for setting a federal interfaith complex besides setting up interfaith harmony committees in all districts of the country which will have representation from members of all minorities besides the Muslim members, the Minister said.
Shehbaz Bhatti said a national conference will be held shortly on the protection of minorities’ rights.
(APP)
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