ZUBAIR QURESHI
The Rawalpindi Women University (RWU) observed National Minorities Day with a special ceremony aimed at reaffirming the university’s commitment to equality, religious harmony, tolerance and respect for the rights and dignity of religious minorities.
Vice Chancellor RWU, Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif, cut the cake during the ceremony and expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s religious minority communities. She said that Pakistan belongs equally to all its citizens and that students and employees belonging to minority communities are an integral and valued part of the country’s educational institutions and society.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif said that respecting the religious beliefs, places of worship and festivals of minority communities, and ensuring their freedom to practise their faith, is not merely a ceremonial obligation but an essential responsibility of a public university.
Referring to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic address of August 11, 1947, the Vice Chancellor said that every citizen of Pakistan is entitled to equal rights, freedom and dignity regardless of religion. She emphasized that the principles of equality, inclusion and mutual respect should not remain confined to the observance of Minorities Day, but must be reflected throughout the year in institutional policies, practices and everyday interactions.
Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif further said that minority students and employees at RWU are equal members of the university community and providing them with equal opportunities, respect and a dignified academic and professional environment remains among the institution’s priorities.
As part of the observance, certificates were also distributed among students who secured prominent positions in poster designing and essay writing competitions organized in connection with National Minorities Day. BS Fine Arts student Urooj Fatima secured first position in the poster designing competition, while BS Chemistry student Saira Raza stood first in the essay writing competition.
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the successful students and appreciated their creativity, awareness and active participation.
The ceremony concluded with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tayyaba Zarif cutting the Minorities Day cake alongside university officers, faculty members and staff, while extending her good wishes to members of Pakistan’s religious minority communities.
