Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad–Rawalpindi has urged Pakistanis to work together for “the common good” by safeguarding rights, promoting equality, and upholding the nation’s founding principles.
Speaking at the National Minority Day celebration on August 11, the archbishop expressed “heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for acknowledging and honoring the contributions of religious minorities in the country’s progress and development.”
According to Catholics in Pakistan, the event was organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony under Federal Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf.
It was held under the auspices of President Asif Ali Zardari and brought together people of various faiths to honor the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for an inclusive and harmonious Pakistan.
Archbishop Arshad praised the “rich and diverse contributions of minority communities” in fields such as education, healthcare, the armed forces, social services, and interfaith dialogue.
“The unity and diversity of Pakistan are its true strengths,” he said, adding that “the harmonious coexistence of different faiths is essential for national stability.”
He reminded participants that the message of Minority Day is grounded in “tolerance, mutual respect, and national solidarity,” values he described as “not only constitutional principles but also moral imperatives for building a peaceful and prosperous society.”
The archbishop commended the ministry’s role in “promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different religious groups” and lauded Minister Yousaf’s initiatives in “upholding equal opportunities for all Pakistanis.”
Such efforts, he said, are “vital to strengthening the bonds of trust and mutual goodwill among communities.”
Archbishop Arshad urged citizens to take personal responsibility in ensuring that constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and equality are upheld in both private and public life, and called for collective efforts to safeguard individual rights and work together for the common good.
He expressed hopes for Pakistan’s “progress, peace, and stability” and for “the deepening of mutual respect among all who call the nation home.”
He encouraged the faithful to continue contributing to the nation’s welfare “through acts of service, charity, and prayer,” so that Pakistan “may grow ever closer to the inclusive vision envisioned by its Founder.”
