The High Commission for Pakistan in United Kingdom

Relief for Pakistani Christians as government sanctions 5% job quota for minorities

In a major relief to Christians in Pakistan, the Federal Cabinet sanctioned a job quota of five per cent for minorities in all government departments.

With Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair, the Cabinet ratified the quota and also agreed the representation of the minorities in Senate.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Cabinet meeting had given approval to five per cent employment quota for minorities in all federal departments.

Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, called the move a remarkable decision and said “this is a big leap in the history of the country which will go a long way in the welfare of the minorities.”

The landmark pro-minorities’ Cabinet approval sent a wave of joy among Pakistani minorities who until now did not have the privilege of a fixed five percent employment quota in government jobs.

“This is a milestone development in the history of Pakistan. It would give minorities a sense of equality and opportunity for socio-economic development,” added Shahbaz Bhatti.

James Shera lauds the historic decision

James Shera MBE, leader of the Labour group on Rugby Borough Council and former Mayor of Rugby warmly welcomed the Cabinet decision. He said: “This is not only acceptance of minorities’ constitutional and legal rights but also recognition of their religious and social importance in the national life of Pakistan. Shera, who was awarded ‘Sitara-e-Pakistan’ on his meritorious services for Pakistan and the community said that “It is absolutely in accordance with the vision of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, and the manifesto of the Pakistan Peoples Party and spirit of the Charter of Democracy.”

Congratulating Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari on what he termed as “this most historic fulfilment of a long overdue promise in the history of the country”, James Shera said the minorities of Pakistan wholeheartedly valued this gesture and supported the Government in its mission to treat all Pakistanis as equal citizens.

Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in a Christmas celebration ceremony in December last year, had announced five percent job quota for minorities.

Bhatti expressed optimism that minorities will be able to play their role in nation building more effectively following Cabinet’s approval of the five percent quota. The historic move by Pakistan Peoples Party government will enable the minorities, particularly the Christians to claim dignified jobs.

The Cabinet’s approval of a guaranteed job quota for minorities will entitle them to get their share of employment in federal government services including allied government departments and autonomous bodies of government.

Pakistani minorities welcomed the government’s move and observed May 31, 2009 as a thanksgiving day with special services in churches and community halls. Prayers are also being offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and the well-being of minorities.

Courtesy: National news sources