Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has commended the vital role played by minorities in the progress and development of the country across diverse sectors, including defence, healthcare, education, politics and social welfare.

Addressing the Eighth International Interfaith Harmony Conference in Islamabad today, he said that protecting the rights of minorities is not merely a constitutional obligation but also a religious responsibility.

The Acting President said that it is an essential feature of any strong society that people of different faiths can perform their religious rituals with complete freedom.

He said Pakistan is a multi-religious society where people of different faiths have the full right to live their lives according to their respective beliefs.

He termed the establishment of the Senate Minority Caucus a vital step towards bringing minorities into the mainstream and ensuring swift resolution of their issues.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan gives priority to dialogue and diplomacy to address regional disputes effectively.