“We must ensure that our future generations inherit a Pakistan that stands as a beacon of peace, progress, stability and mutual respect,” the president said in a message on National Minorities Day. On the occasion of National Minorities Day, the president conveyed warm greetings to all Pakistanis, especially their ethnic and religious minorities, on the historic day. He said the religious minorities in Pakistan had contributed prominently in conflicts, wars, health, education and other domains of life and continued doing so even today along with other compatriots. I firmly believe in the equality of every citizen, regardless of religion or faith, before the state,” President Secretariat Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the president as saying. The president said the founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, on various occasions, stressed upon religious freedom and protection of the minorities.