The Senate today unanimously passed a resolution, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the constitutional, legal and human rights of all minorities, ensuring their dignity, security and equal status as citizens of the state.

The resolution, moved by Senator Danesh Kumar, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of minorities in the development, progress, and unity of the nation on the National Day for Minorities.

The House urged the Government to ensure effective implementation of constitutional provisions and legal protections for minorities.

It called upon the Government to initiate public awareness campaigns, and interfaith harmony programs that promote tolerance and inclusivity in the society. It demanded to include the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam’s 11th August speech and minority rights in educational curricula to instill values of equality and pluralism. The Founder of Pakistan, in his speech, had unequivocally declared that all citizens of Pakistan, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, shall enjoy equal rights, freedoms, and protections under the law, and it is a cornerstone of our policy towards minorities.

The House expressed its firm resolve to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam and guaranteed by the Constitution, ensuring that Pakistan remains a beacon of unity in diversity.

The Senate today unanimously passed a resolution calling for the inclusion of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s address to the First Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947 in the national educational curriculum to promote equality and social cohesion.   

The resolution, moved by Senator Danesh Kumar, highlighted the significant role minorities have played in the development and prosperity of Pakistan. It emphasized that their contributions to national progress should be formally recognized.

The House also urged the government to launch awareness campaigns aimed at fostering interfaith harmony and inclusivity across the country.

The Chairman announced the panel of chair, comprising Senator Danesh Kumar, Senator Khalil Tahir, and Senator Gurdeep Singh, as Presiding Officers for the current session of the House.

The House also observed one-minute silence on the demise of the mother of Senator Gurdeep Singh.

At the outset, newly elected Senators from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Azam Swati and Mashal Azam Youasafzai took oath as members of the Upper House today.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says twenty-four State-Owned Enterprises have been handed over to the Privatization Commission for privatization.

Responding to a point of order in Senate, he said eight of these 24 SOEs will go through the privatization process during the current fiscal year.

The Minister said the government is also working on the governance side to overcome losses of the State-Owned Enterprises. Besides, the Federal Government is evaluating the private-public partnership option as well.

Muhammad Aurangzeb remarked that he has time and again said the private sector has to lead this country. He said not only the loss-making entities but the profitable institutions can also be handed over to the private sector.

The House will now meet on Friday at 10:30 in the morning.