ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its economic and diplomatic partnership with Morocco, describing the North African nation as a key player in the region’s future growth.
Speaking at Aiwan-e-Sadr during a meeting with Moroccan Ambassador Mohamed Karmoune, the president said Pakistan values its longstanding ties with Morocco and sees “vast potential” for expanding cooperation in multiple sectors. He noted that Africa is on the brink of major economic transformation, with Morocco well-positioned to play a leading role in this shift.
President Zardari praised the fraternal relationship between the two countries, rooted in shared faith, values, and mutual respect. He expressed gratitude for Morocco’s assistance to Pakistan during the 2022 floods, calling it a reflection of the deep goodwill between the two nations. Conveying his best wishes to King Mohammed VI, he asked the ambassador to pass on the warm regards of the Pakistani people to the King and the Moroccan nation.
Focus on Minority Rights
In a separate meeting at the Presidency, President Zardari called for stronger measures to safeguard the rights of Pakistan’s minority communities, promote religious tolerance, and ensure the return of places of worship that have been unlawfully occupied.
The president’s remarks came during a briefing by Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, on the ministry’s recent initiatives, policy reforms, and interfaith outreach efforts.
According to the minister, the Minorities Welfare Fund in the 2024–25 fiscal year awarded Rs60 million in scholarships to 2,236 students, provided financial aid to 1,231 individuals, and allocated Rs45 million for repairing and furnishing 32 minority places of worship.
He further highlighted the adoption of a new national policy on interfaith harmony, official observance of major minority religious festivals, and the hosting of interfaith conferences across the country.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board, Yousaf said, continues to maintain Sikh and Hindu sacred sites while offering free facilities to pilgrims during key religious events. Efforts are also underway to combat hate speech and enhance coordination between federal and provincial authorities. President Zardari commended the ministry’s work, particularly its role in organizing National Minorities Day celebrations, but stressed the need for more targeted actions to ensure justice and inclusivity. Minister Yousaf, in turn, thanked the president for his leadership and support, crediting him with advancing the rights and welfare of minority communities in Pakistan
