News Desk
Peshawar:
The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, highlighted the unwavering love and bond the Pakistani people have with minorities. He stated that Pakistani minorities are highly valued and the manifesto of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ensures the protection of minority rights.
Governor Kundi expressed these views during his visit to St. John’s Cathedral Church of Pakistan. He was welcomed by the head of the Church of Pakistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters, Priest In-charge Rev. Joseph John. PPP’s provincial member for minority affairs Yasir Bhatti, and members of the PPP District Peshawar Minority Wing and Youth Peace Ambassadors.
During the visit, the governor inspected various sections of the church and was briefed on its history.
The Construction of the Saint John’s Cathedral Peshawar Church began in 1852 and it was opened for worship in 1860. This historic church, which Queen Elizabeth of Britain also visited, has a seating capacity for 1,200 people.
Governor Kundi emphasized the importance of promoting interfaith harmony in the province and the country. He stated that the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, laid out a clear policy regarding the rights of minorities, and the constitution of Pakistan guarantees freedom and protection for minorities in every respect.
He further added that just as our hearts ache when our religious symbols are disrespected abroad, we should treat our minorities with the same sensitivity. Efforts should be made to ensure that our behavior does not hurt the sentiments of minorities living in Pakistan and that their sacred places are not desecrated in any way, he articulated
The governor stressed that Islam mandates respect for all religions, and therefore, it is essential to adhere strictly to the principles of respect for humanity and respect for all religions.
During the visit, Youth members, religious and minority leaders and workers of the PPP Minority Wing also met with the governor, discussed their issues, and received assurances from him regarding their resolution.