Islamabad:
President Asif Zardari said on Tuesday that Pakistan valued his financial ties with Morocco and saw great potential to increase bilateral cooperation.
He made these comments during a meeting with the Ambassador of Morocco, Mohamed Karmoune, who called him to Aiwan-e-Sadr, a statement from the presidency.
The president observed that Africa is ready for significant economic growth in the coming years, and Morocco with its remarkable economic development is well placed to lead this transformation and contribute to regional prosperity.
He added that Pakistan and Morocco enjoy brotherly ties, based on common faith, common values and mutual respect, which must be further strengthened to mutual benefit to the two countries.
The president noted that Pakistan is obliged to further improve bilateral cooperation with Morocco in different areas. He expressed gratitude for Morocco for his support for Pakistan during the floods in 2022 and noted that such movements reflect the depth of friendship between the two nations.
If affirming that Pakistan and Morocco enjoy close and fraternal bonds, the president expressed his best wishes for the continued health of King Mohammed VI. He also asked the ambassador to convey Goodwill and warm greetings to the people of Pakistan to the king and the people of Morocco.
Meanwhile, the president urged intensified efforts to protect minority rights, promote religious tolerance and ensure that the restoration of worship sites is illegally occupied, confirms that minorities are an integral part of Pakistan’s social and national substance.
He made these comments during a meeting of Aiwan-e-Sadr with the Minister of Religious Affairs and Interreligious Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who informed him of the ministry’s initiatives, including political measures, welfare programs and interventions, said a Presidency’s statement.
President Zardari praised the ministry’s work on protecting minority rights and organizing National Minorities Day celebrations while calling for more concrete and targeted actions to ensure justice and inclusive. The Minister shared that the minority welfare fund in FY 2024-25 provided RS60 million in scholarships to 2,236 students, financial support for 1,231 people and RS45 million for repair and furniture of 32 minority support sites.
He also highlighted a new national policy on Interfaith Harmony, official celebrations of larger minority festivals and interreligion conferences nationwide.
Yousaf also noted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board maintains Sikh and Hindu holy places and provides free facilities for pilgrims to larger religious events along with the efforts to limit the hatred valley and coordinate with provincial and federal authorities.
Thank you for the president of his support, the minister said his leadership had played a key role in promoting the rights and welfare of Pakistan’s minority society.
