Pakistan Will Uphold And Protect Minorities' Rights: Masood Khan.

Ambassador Masood Khan has said that Pakistan was committed to the ideals of pluralism and democracy and would continue to ensure protection of the rights of all citizens and promote minorities' participation in the national life.

'Over the years, we have taken steps to empower minorities to ensure their representation in administration, legislatures, judiciary, civic institutions and the private sector', he said.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States made these remarks at the Embassy of Pakistan during a special event held to mark 'National Day of Minorities'. Representatives of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and other communities attended the event. A representative of the US State Department also spoke on the occasion.

Ambassador Khan assured the audience that Pakistan has been taking steps to preserve religious heritage. Opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, the Ambassador said, was widely acclaimed by the Sikh community all over the world.

'We are renovating Katas Raj temple. Other places of worship are also being renovated', he said.

Recalling Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's statement, the Ambassador said, 'In Pakistan, all are equal citizens of the State.'

Addressing the representatives of diaspora community of all faiths and denominations assembled at the Embassy, he said, 'Your love for Pakistan is undiminishing; your affinity strong. Under this flag of Pakistan, we are all one; and we will forge ahead together.'

'Pakistani nation is a rainbow of diverse faiths and cultures. We are striving to nurture an ethos where all colors have their unique value and yet they constitute a whole', he continued.

The Ambassador highlighted that Pakistan and the United Statesd common values of religious freedom and tolerance and that the United States' Declaration of Independence and Constitution of Pakistan enshrined tenets of religious freedom and interfaith harmony.

'We would continue to work together to promote these norms', he said.

Ambassador Khan said that promotion of religious tolerance and fighting intolerance was an arduous journey and required constant vigilance. 'The issues related to religious freedom are local, national and transnational.' For its part, he said, Pakistan will...