Islamabad, November 15,2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and the protection of human dignity, calling upon all segments of society to promote tolerance, reject prejudice and counter hatred and violence.
In his message on the International Day for Tolerance, being observed on November 16, the prime minister said the true essence of tolerance lay in respecting the beliefs, convictions and rights of others, even in the face of differences.
He said Islamic teachings provided enduring guidance on patience, tolerance, compassion, justice and respect for humanity. The exemplary life and Uswa-e-Hasana of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), he added, offered a timeless model of patience, forbearance and kindness towards others.
The prime minister said the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed dignity, protection, equal opportunities and equality before the law to all citizens without discrimination on the basis of colour, religion or creed.
He observed that Pakistan’s diverse society, comprising different faiths, traditions and cultures, could progress and prosper only through mutual cooperation, understanding and tolerance. He described the country’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity as a source of strength and a valuable national asset.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government remained committed to promoting interfaith harmony and religious tolerance, safeguarding the rights of minorities and vulnerable segments of society, curbing hate speech and advancing the National Action Plan on Human Rights, particularly its focus on human rights education and the promotion of peace.
He said the enactment of the National Commission for Minority Rights Act, 2025, marked another significant step towards strengthening the legal framework for protecting minority rights. Translating these legal safeguards into effective institutional protection and ensuring meaningful access to justice remained among the government’s foremost priorities, he added.
The prime minister emphasised that tolerance and forbearance were values cultivated through upbringing at home, while educational institutions, places of worship and wider social circles also played a vital role in nurturing them.
He called upon religious scholars, teachers, the media, civil society, public institutions and citizens, particularly the youth, to reject prejudice, promote mutual understanding and play a constructive role in countering hatred and violence.
