National Minorities Day

11 August

Pakistan

Why this date

Recalls Quaid-e-Azam's speech to the Constituent Assembly on 11 August 1947 promising equal rights and freedom of religion to all citizens.

About the day

Announced by the government of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in 2009. In his 11 August speech Jinnah said: 'You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan.' The white strip in Pakistan's flag represents religious minorities.

Observed by

Government of Pakistan (since 2009)