ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (Alliance News): Khail Das Kohistani, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, held a meeting with Dutch Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert at his office in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, focusing on the promotion of interfaith harmony, protection of minority rights, and regional cooperation.
Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace, dialogue, and brotherhood in the region, while jointly working against Islamophobia.
Speaking at the meeting, Kohistani said that the rights of minorities were clearly enshrined in Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech of August 11, 1947, and are guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan.
He added that the Ministry is actively promoting interfaith gatherings and dialogues nationwide, ensuring that religious festivals of minority communities are celebrated under official patronage.
The minister noted that under the Minorities Welfare Fund, educational scholarships have been provided to non-Muslim children, alongside efforts for the maintenance and renovation of places of worship.
Through conferences, dialogues, and religious programmes, representatives of Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Parsi and other communities engage in discussions aimed at promoting peace, mutual respect, and collaborative initiatives.
Kohistani emphasized that the Ministry ensures all citizens, regardless of faith, can live harmoniously with their religious, social, and cultural rights fully protected.
Ambassador Robert-Jan Siegert described Pakistan as a unique country with rich religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity.
He observed that the Netherlands does not have a dedicated ministry for interfaith harmony and expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s experience in this domain.
The envoy stressed that the Dutch government places high importance on human rights and opposes all forms of discrimination. He praised Pakistan’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and friendship, reaffirming the Netherlands’ respect for the country’s efforts.
Both officials underlined their shared determination to strengthen regional peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation against Islamophobia, acknowledging the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ key role in safeguarding minority rights and fostering social harmony.
