Business Recorder
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the Constitution of Pakistan provides for complete religious freedom for all minorities. Religious freedom is not only a constitutional obligation but also the foundation of a peaceful and developed society. When individuals feel secure in their beliefs and identity, they play a more effective role in national development. He expressed these views while addressing a conference titled “Religious Freedom in the Constitution of Pakistan” as the chief guest at the Governor House Peshawar on Saturday. The conference was attended by Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz as the president, while minority member of the National Assembly James Iqbal, Chairman Implementation Minority Rights Forum Samuel Piara, President Bishop Church of Pakistan Archbishop Dr. Azad Marshall, Federal Shariat Court Judge Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar, Chief Khatib Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, members of parliament, religious leaders, representatives of the minority community and civil society. Samuel Pyara welcomed the conference participants in his welcome address and informed the participants about the aims and objectives of the conference. He paid tribute to the Governor for keeping the doors of the Governor House open to all sections of thought and organizing conferences and seminars on important issues at the Governor’s House. The conference was also addressed by Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz, President Bishop Church of Pakistan Archbishop Dr. Azad Marshall, Federal Shariat Court Judge Syed Muhammad Anwar, Minority Member of National Assembly James Iqbal, and Professor Dr. Mohiuddin Hashmi of Allama Iqbal Open University, Pandit Rakesh Chand, Bishop Ernest Jacob and other participants. The participants, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the religious freedom and protection of rights given to the minority community in the Constitution of Pakistan and said that the rights and religious freedom given to minorities in Pakistan are unparalleled anywhere in the world. The speakers also paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Shaheed and other leaders for ensuring the protection of the rights of minorities in the Constitution. A poem titled “Justice for all” was also presented at the conference. The Governor said in his address that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees religious freedom and equality to every citizen and it clearly states that religion is a personal matter of every individual and the state will not discriminate on the basis of anyone’s belief. Referring to Articles 20, 22 and 25, he said that these are not just legal provisions but a moral and constitutional pledge of the state to promote diversity and justice. The Governor said that Pakistan, as a responsible member of the international community, is trying to align its institutional structure with principles and strengthening independent human rights institutions, ensuring representation of different communities and promoting accountability are very important steps in this regard. Citing the example of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said that the province has always been a land of coexistence with its cultural and religious heritage and there is a tradition of living in harmony with mosques, churches, temples and gurdwaras. The Governor appreciated the efforts of the Chairman Implementation Minority Rights Forum Samuel Pyara and said that such conferences are very important in promoting understanding, finding solutions to problems and playing a role of bridge between different communities. The Governor assured the participants of the conference that he is committed to protecting the rights of every citizen without discrimination and will play his role for this. At the end of the conference, awards were also given to the personalities who played an effective role in promoting religious freedom, while the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa presented souvenirs to the guests and Samuel Pyara presented a shield to the Governor. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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