A One-Day Awareness Seminar on Minorities Rights was held at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur organized by the Marvi Rural Development Organization (MRDO), Sukkur and Peace & Harmony Society of University. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur presided over the seminar while Mr. Giyan Chand, Former Senator was the chief guest. Mr. Javed Ahmed Jiskani, Deputy Inspector General (D.I.G) of Police, Sukkur Division and Ms. Pushpa Kumari, Member Sindh National Lobbying Delegation of Minorities Organization were the guests of honor.
Talking to the participants of the seminar, Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto said that Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur is organizing series of seminars and conferences on the academic, social and economic issues. Dr. Ibupoto said in Pakistan minorities have equal and ample opportunities. In the flag of Pakistan, white color reflects regarding the status of the minorities. He said we must strive to protect the rights of minorities. Dr. Ibupoto said Sindh is the cradle of Sufism. In Sufism, there is respect for human dignity, peaceful co-existence. We have to care our minorities as per provision of the constitution of Pakistan. The message of our Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) is also for the promotion of human values and dignity.
Mr. Giyan Chand said we have loyalty with our homeland. We are faithful with our country. In Pakistan, we have enormous facilities. We have representation in Parliament even we have representation in the federal and provincial cabinets. He stressed the need to contain the forced conversion and forced marriages. He commended the promulgation of the Hindu Marriage Act-2018 which is glaring example of the Government’s protection to minorities. He appreciated that the Government is committed to provide protection to the minorities in the country. Mr. Giyan Chand stressed the need to work for the uplifting the marginalized communities also. He also appreciated the efforts of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto and Chief Executive Officer MRDO Ms. Ghulam Sughra Solangi for organizing this seminar in befitting manner.
Mr. Javed Ahmed Jiskani said this seminar is meaningful for the promotion and protection of the roghts of the minorities. He said in western society, there is diversity in ethnic and religion because society is liberal. He said in Islam, there is no compulsion on conversion of religion. He said Meesaq-e-Madina is glaring example of peaceful co-existence when Holy Prophet (S.A.W.W) migrated to Madina, he signed this memorandum. The rights of Jews and Christians were protected. He said loyalty with state is mandatory. In our country, the rights of minorities are guaranteed by the constitution under chapter of fundamental rights. He stressed the need to change the mindset and strive for rule of law. He said the laws which are drafted shall be implemented in letter and spirit. Mr. Jiskani remarked that the plight of the minorities is deplorable in neighboring country.
Ms. Pushpa Kumari said that it is the need of the time that political parties may incorporate in their political manifesto the rights of minorities. She appreciated the policies of the present Government of Sindh adopted secular policies. She said that the legislation regarding Hindu Marriage Act may be trickle down to Union Council level.
Mr. Mukesh Kumar from Hindu Panchayat said that the education facilities for minorities may be extended so they could get education freely.
Mr. Ranjhan Das, Assistant Director Minorities Affairs, Govt. of Sindh said that this seminar aimed at to create awareness regarding the rights of the minorities. He said we are providing funds for needy minority persons without any discrimination.
Mr. Shoukat Noonari, Renowned Anchor Person said Sindh is the land peace and harmony. He quoted the example of Shrine of Sachal Sarmast where approximately 10 Hindus are buried. We have solidarity with the minorities residing in Sindh.
Ms. Saira Solangi, General Manager MRDO shed light on the working of the MRDO. She said we are striving to empower the women. We are also committed to protect the rights of the minorities.
Mr. Salman Ali, Grants Manager MRDO said that we are working the different Union Councils of the Khairpur to provide the basic facilities to the marginalized communities and capacity building of the Union Councils.
Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences accorded welcome address to the guests and participants. He said it is our collaborative and collective responsibilities to care about the rights of the minorities. Dr. Lashari said this seminar will pave a way for the sensitization in the youth regarding the rights of minorities.
Mr. Ali Raza Lashari conducted the proceedings of the seminar. Shields and traditional Ajraks were distributed among the guests. A large number of teachers, officers, employees, media persons, civil society activities and students attended the seminar.
