Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday urged political parties, religious bodies and civil society organisations to rise up to defend Jinnah’s Pakistan that guaranteed protecting fundamental rights of minorities. Taking strong notice of the latest incidents of attacks on minorities, Bilawal said these continuing attacks, if unchecked, would threaten the very existence of Pakistan. The PPP Chairman gave this statement in response to reports about demolition of a Hindu temple in Karachi and desecration of an Ahmadi graveyard in Lahore. He urged the provincial governments and the law enforcement agencies to do their best to protect the fundamental rights of minorities. Bilawal said the attacks on temples, graveyards, properties and lives of the minorities are an attack on Jinnah’s vision of Pakistan and pose an existential threat to the country. He said Benazir Bhutto had given her life fighting against such a mindset. “Our forefathers did not sacrifice their lives for an intolerant, extremist, sectarian and authoritarian Pakistan. I appeal to all of you to rise up and defend Jinnah’s Pakistan. My party and I will stand by you, shoulder to shoulder,” said the PPP Chairman in the statement.
Bilawal Bhutto stresses safeguarding minorities’ rights
