"We have condemned violence against Muslims in India and Indian atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. When we speak out against all these issues, the persecution that Muslims are facing, the annexation in Israel [...] if we don't protect and defend our own minorities then how will we fight the case of other Muslims across the world?,” she questioned while addressing the floor of the House.
Shireen Mazari said that the government had a very clear stance on the issue and supported and defended the rights afforded to minorities under the Constitution and international conventions signed by Pakistan.
"It can't happen that we endanger them, strip them of their rights, and prevent them from celebrating their festivals in their places of worship. That is unacceptable.”
The human rights minister was responding to Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart Khawaja Asif's speech, in which he had highlighted that a ‘planned campaign’ against minorities was being run on social media.
"Pakistan's vision is the same as Quaid-i-Azam's. We stand with it and draw strength from it when we raise our voice against the persecution of Muslims around the world because we know our law and Constitution safeguard the rights of minorities. We cannot have violence against minorities and deprive them of their places of worship," she added.