- Sindh CM celebrates Holi at Hindu Gymkhana
- Says Sindh govt committed to providing equal opportunities to minorities
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has said that it is the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its government in Sindh which has always struggled for the rights of religious minorities.
“The respect, equal opportunities and level-playing field in the socio-political sector the PPP has provided the minorities with cannot be traced in any other party or the government,” said Qaim who was addressing a gathering of Hindu community in connection with the festival of Holi at Hindu Gymkhana late Tuesday night.
The chief minister said that in the history of the country and province, it was the Sindh government that passed the Hindu marriage act under which “you people will be able to lead your lives according to your customs, traditions and norms”.
“It was your demand and the PPP government honoured it,” added Qaim addressing the participants in front of him.
The chief minister further said that following the teachings and footprints of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, incumbent PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto directed his party’s government in Sindh to declare March 24 public holiday to celebrate Holi.
“Bilawal’s order is unprecedented and a manifestation of our (PPP) commitment to provide you (Hindu community) with equal opportunities,” Qaim said.
The CM appreciated the services of the minorities, particularly the Hindus, in the development of the province. He also said that the credit for fielding minority candidate Dr Mahesh Kumar in the last general election from Tharparkar went to the PPP, and added “it was your commitment to the PPP that you voted him to power”.
Qaim congratulated the Hindu community on the eve of Holi on behalf of the PPP leadership. “Our Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto will be going to Umerkot tomorrow (Thursday) to celebrate Holi,” he added.
The chief minister was accompanied by provincial ministers Mahesh Kumar, Gianchand Israni, MPA Pesu Mal and others. Later Qaim was presented traditional gifts of ajrak, cap and sweetmeat.
