Gilani vows to protect Pak minorities 'at all costs'

Islamabad, Aug 24 (ANI): Former Pakistan prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said minorities in Pakistan are a key constituency as far as the PPP government is concerned, and would be given protection at all costs.

Commenting on reports regarding the arrest of a minor Christian girl by Islamabad Police on charges of blasphemy, the Daily Times quoted Gilani, as saying that fanatics would not be allowed to pressurise the authorities to deny justice to the minorities.

Gilani said such unfortunate incidents against the minorities had brought a bad name to Pakistan. He appealed to representatives of civil society, religious scholars and the media to help in creating resistance against misguided elements who use religion for unacceptable pursuits.

Gilani said Pakistan being a signatory to international conventions and dedicated to promoting human rights, cannot afford to ignore or abandon its international obligations.

He said Pakistan was a respectable member of the international community and had made valuable contributions in maintaining peace and order in the regions around the world under the United Nations. (ANI)