Qudrat Ullah
The writer is a Lahore based public policy analyst
On August 11, 1947, in what would become one of the most defining moments in Pakistan’s history, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the first Constituent Assembly with words that continue to resonate deeply across the country. “You are free,” he declared, “you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.” This powerful message was not merely aspirational rhetoric; it was a foundational principle for a vibrant nation envisaged to uphold religious freedom, equality, and dignity for all citizens-regardless of their caste, color, or faith.
Today, nearly eight decades later, that vision finds renewed expression in the Punjab Government’s initiative to observe a “Minority Week” to honor the important role and services rendered by the religious minorities in the development of Pakistan. Celebrated from August 7 to August 11, 2025, the event was launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and stands as a milestone in the state’s commitment to inclusivity and interfaith harmony. The initiative serves not only as a tribute to the contributions of Pakistan’s religious minorities but also as a reaffirmation of national unity, rooted in the ideals of justice and societal pluralism.
Islamic teachings offer robust support for the respectful and dignified treatment of all non-Muslims.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the historic Cathedral Church of Resurrection in Lahore, presented a vivid tableau of Pakistan’s diverse religious and cultural heritage. In an atmosphere filled with both solemn reverence and patriotic fervor, chants of “Long Live Pakistan Army” echoed through the hall as the attendees paid rich tribute to the armed forces for their critical role in ensuring the country’s sovereignty and internal peace, particularly after the successful culmination of Operation “Bunyan Marsoos.” The symbolism of launching such a significant event in a place of worship for the minority community was not lost on observers. It signaled a powerful message: the temples, churches, gurdwaras, and other non-Muslim sacred spaces are not just religious sites-they are integral parts of the nation’s collective identity.
Islamic teachings offer robust support for the respectful and dignified treatment of all non-Muslims. Far from being exclusionary, the religion of Islam lays significant emphasis on justice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence with adherents of other faiths. The Holy Qur’an states in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8): “Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who have not fought you because of religion and have not expelled you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” This verse is a direct command to Muslims to practice fairness and kindness toward peaceful non-Muslims, reflecting the moral universality of Islamic ethics.
Similarly, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), throughout His life, treated non-Muslims with fairness and magnanimity. His covenant with the Christians of Najran and his protection extended to the monks of St. Catherine’s Monastery are clear historical precedents of religious pluralism. In another oft-quoted Hadith from Musnad Ahmad, the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stated: “Whoever harms a dhimmi (a non-Muslim under Muslim protection) has harmed me.” These examples were not isolated instances of tolerance; they represented an established normative ethic within Islamic governance, rooted in justice (adl) and benevolence (ihsan).
It is in this spirit that the Punjab Government’s policies toward religious minorities acquire deeper meaning. Beyond symbolic observances, the provincial government has implemented substantive measures that aim to elevate the socio-cultural and economic status of minority communities- including provision of free quality education through Punjab Education Foundation, Job quotas in government departments, and special scholarships for minority students. It’ssanguine that the facility of job quota in public sector departments would ensure minority communities’ representationin decision-making processes. It would also close societal gaps in access and opportunity at the grassroots. The rehabilitation of historic temples, churches, and other sacred places is underway as well, offering not only preservationof rich heritage but also reaffirming the state’s protective role over all religious spaces.
Similarly, the economic empowerment of minority communities has also been prioritized. Interest-free loans have been introduced to help minority entrepreneurs establish small businesses. Skills development and vocational training programs, spearheaded by the human rights and minorities affairs department, aim to promote self-reliance and reduce any systemic disadvantages. These programs have been accompanied by awareness campaigns to challenge any kind ofsocial discrimination and foster interfaith understanding and peaceful co-existence at the grassroots.
While these policy initiatives represent commendable progress, they also serve a broader strategic function. In a multiethnic and multicultural society like Pakistan, social cohesion and national unity are inextricably linked to the equitable treatment of all communities. Celebrating the religious, cultural, and intellectual contributions of religious minorities fosters a sense of shared ownership in the national projection. As the country prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on Aug 14, the message emanating from Lahore is loud and clear: Pakistan belongs to all of its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, caste, or color. The alignment of these modern policy interventions with the ethical framework of Islam lends further legitimacy to the Punjab Government’s efforts. Historically, the Constitution of the city-state of Madina-considered by scholars to be one of the earliest social contracts-defined a pluralistic society where Muslims, Jews, and other communities coexisted under a unified legal framework. The idea that every citizen, irrespective of creed, has a role to play in the welfare and defense of the state was embedded into the first Islamic state by none other than the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself.
The country’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, too, echoed these principles when he said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples. You are free to go to your mosques or any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste or creed-that has nothing to do with the business of the state.”
This concept, while revolutionary in the mid-20th century, remains relevant in Pakistan today. Religious freedom is not only a democratic ideal but also a spiritual obligation for Muslims. The Quranic call for justice is unconditional: “Do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:8)
It is under this moral and constitutional canopy that the Punjab Government’s “Minority Week” initiative assumes historical importance. By fully elevating the status of non-Muslims in the state, the initiative fulfills both Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision and Islamic ethics. It illustrates that good governance in a diverse society is impossible without the inclusion of all communities in social, political, and economic life. This is the gist of democracy.
In a time when global narratives are often marked by division and intolerance, Pakistan’s renewed focus on religious inclusivity offers a counter-narrative-one rooted in history, ethics, and law. The leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif deserves commendation for not only recognizing this but taking tangible steps to realize it. Her government’s policies are not merely politically expedient; they are morally and constitutionally sound. Through these efforts, the promise of August 11, 1947, is not just remembered-it is being renewed, refined, and realized. Long live Pakistan!
