ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 11th Aug, 2026) First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday, appreciating the contributions of the minority communities in education, healthcare, law, public service, business, the armed forces, arts, sports and many other fields, said that their achievements were an important part of Pakistan’s story of progress and development.
The first lady, in her message on National Minorities Day annually observed on August 11, extended her warm greetings to all minority communities across Pakistan, and said that Pakistan’s progress was strengthened by the contributions of citizens from all faiths.
She said that the Day was an opportunity to recognise their valuable contributions to the country and to reaffirm the principle that every citizen was an equal member of the national community.
“Equality must be reflected in the rights and opportunities available to every citizen. The law must protect all citizens equally and every Pakistani should be able to participate fully in the social, economic and civic life of the country without discrimination on the basis of religion,” the first lady remarked.
Highlighting the important role of Pakistani women and youth in building a more inclusive and prosperous Pakistan, she called for ensuring equal opportunities to young people from minority communities to pursue education, develop their skills and contribute to the country’s future.
Similarly, she said that minority women must also have equal opportunities to participate in education, employment and public life and to realise their potential.
Asif Bhutto emphasised that all institutions and segments of society had a responsibility to uphold the said principles and ensure that every citizen was treated fairly and given the opportunity to contribute to the progress of Pakistan.
“I call upon families, educational institutions, communities and public institutions to promote respect, understanding and equal treatment among our citizens. The values we teach our young people today will shape the Pakistan they build tomorrow,” she said.
First Lady Asifa Bhutto paid rich tribute to the contributions of minority communities and extended her best wishes for their well-being, expressing hope that Pakistan continues to move forward with equality and opportunity for all its citizens.
