Minister of State for Religious Affairs Khel Das Kohistani meets with Ambassador of the Netherlands
Islamabad : The Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Khel Das Kohistani, met with the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, Robert Jan Siegert, at Ministry, vowing to promote peace, brotherhood, dialogue and work together against Islamophobia in the region.
The two leaders held detailed discussions on the promotion of interfaith harmony, minority rights, and issues of mutual interest. The meeting emphasized the commitment to promote peace, brotherhood, dialogue in the region, and joint measures against Islamophobia.
Khel Das said that the equal rights of minorities are clear in the Quaid-e-Azam’s speech of August 11, 1947, and the Constitution of Pakistan provides full protection to the religious minorities living here.
He said that the ministry is promoting interfaith gatherings and dialogue across the country, and according to the government’s vision, religious festivals of all minorities are celebrated under government patronage.
He further informed that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has provided educational scholarships to non-Muslim children under the Minorities Welfare Fund and has also taken significant steps in the repair and renovation of religious places of worship. Through various conferences, dialogues and religious programs, representatives of Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and other communities discuss the issues of peace, respect and cooperation.
The Minister of State said that his ministry ensures that people of all religions in Pakistan live in peace and brotherhood and their religious, social and cultural rights are protected.
Netherlands Ambassador Robert Jan Siegert said that Pakistan is a unique country with a diverse population of religions, cultures and languages. He said that the Netherlands does not have a Ministry of Interfaith Harmony, and he wants to benefit from Pakistan’s experiences. He added that Netherland attaches great importance to human rights and discourages all forms of discrimination.
The Government of the Netherlands highly values its friendship with Pakistan. They expressed their determination to work together to promote peace, brotherhood, dialogue and Islamophobia in the region. They acknowledged that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony is playing an important role not only in protecting the rights of religious minorities but also in promoting social harmony, mutual respect and friendly relations at the international level.
