We Will Not Allow Christian Slums in Islamabad to Be Demolished: Senator Tahir Khalil Sindhu
Islamabad / New York: Former Federal Minister for Minority Affairs Akram Masih Gill stated that five percent of the national and provincial budgets should be allocated for minorities so that paved roads, natural gas, and electricity can be provided in minority areas.
He expressed these views at a dinner hosted in honor of Senator Tahir Khalil Sindhu at his residence in the United States.
Akram Gill said that joint elections are held in the country and Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies have secured votes from non-Muslims. Despite this, minority areas have been neglected. Therefore, the government should direct all Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies to spend five percent of their development funds on the welfare of non-Muslims so they may also live better lives.
Akram Gill further stated that a fresh census of minorities should be conducted because the current census is not based on facts and the Christian population has been significantly underreported. As a result, non-Muslims have become further marginalized politically and economically.
On the occasion, Senator Tahir Khalil Sindhu said that the government will take practical measures for the rights and protection of minorities. He stated that he will continue to struggle for minority rights beyond party affiliations. Senator Tahir Khalil Sindhu added that Christian slums in Islamabad will not be allowed to be demolished and he will advocate at every level for their rehabilitation. He said that Christians should be included in federal and provincial ministries so that the community can progress.
Also present on the occasion were Pervaiz Rafique, former MPA; Pastor Robin Yamin; Rev. Jeffrey Samuel; Raheel Majeed Masih; Azhar Abdullah; Abid Shakeel; Sadaf Siddique, Advocate; Samuel Rohail; Suleman Chaudhary; Raheel Rizwan; Dr. Asif; and others.
