ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that the government is undertaking efforts to ensure a level playing field for minorities in every sector of life, as Pakistan marks the National Day of Minorities. 

On August 11 every year, Pakistan acknowledges the contributions of minorities, or non-Muslim Pakistanis, to the country. President Arif Alvi and PM Sharif, in separate messages, hailed minorities in Pakistan for fulfilling their role in society’s development. 

“The government is making efforts to make up for socio-economic deficiencies and ensure a level playing field for our minorities,” PM Sharif said in a statement. He added that the government planned to do this by ensuring the allocation of special quota at representative fora, in educational institutions and in the services sector. 

He said dedicated financial support for the promotion and uplifting of minorities’ poorest segments are part of these measures. 

“I would like to reaffirm the coalition government’s resolve for the betterment and welfare of our minorities and their fullest inclusion in the national life and development,” Sharif said. 

The prime minister said the mending of fault lines, which may lead to socio-religious exploitation, remains the cornerstone of the government’s policies. “Pakistan belongs to its people without any discrimination of caste, creed, and color,” he added. 

In a separate message, President Arif Alvi lauded the role being played by minorities, especially in the fields of education, health and social welfare, in Pakistan.