Minorities equal citizens, state responsible for protecting them — Pakistan army chief

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said that minorities were equal citizens of Pakistan and it was the state’s job to protect them, according to the Pakistani military. 
The statement was issued during General Bajwa’s meeting with members of the Hindu community in Nagarparkar town of Pakistan’s southern Sindh province. 
Forced conversions and marriage of girls has been a major issue faced by minorities in Pakistan, with those from poor families and low castes largely targeted, according to rights campaigners. 
In 2019, the alleged abduction and forced conversion of two Hindu sisters made headlines in Pakistan when a video of their marriage was shared widely on social media. 
“Minorities in Pakistan are equal citizens and it is the job of the state to protect them,” General Bajwa said, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing. 
“The Hindu community acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in bringing about secure environment for minorities in the country. They pledged that the Hindu community shall contribute with full zeal toward the economic prosperity of the country.” 
The Pakistani army chief spent the day with Pakistani troops stationed at the border town, where the local commander briefed him on operational readiness of the formation, according to the ISPR. 
While interacting with troops, COAS appreciated their state of morale and motivation for the fulfilment of assigned mission. He advised all troops to remain focused on professional obligations and training for an effective response to counter any emerging challenge.