Celebrating Unity: Minority Day, Marka-e-Haq & Independence Day Marked by Karachi Mayor

By Aziz Khatri

Karachi, August 11, 2025 – Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab passionately addressed a colorful event organized by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) at Frere Hall to mark Minority Day, Marka-e-Haq, and Pakistan’s Independence Day. The occasion brought together political leaders, minority representatives, civil society, students, and citizens in a strong show of unity.

Mayor Wahab highlighted the vital contributions of minority communities in Pakistan’s development, calling their role worthy of being “written in golden letters.” He stressed that Minority Day celebrates tolerance, equality, and national harmony, values essential to the country’s fabric. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has consistently worked to support minority rights in line with the Constitution, which guarantees equal rights and freedoms to all citizens.

Emphasizing security during minority religious festivals, the Mayor promised no tolerance for negligence and urged everyone to pledge dignity, protection, and equality for every Pakistani.

Reflecting on Independence Day, the Mayor spoke of it as a moment to remember the sacrifices underlying freedom. Paying tribute to the martyrs of “Marka-e-Haq,” he called for upholding justice, equality, and brotherhood to make Karachi a peaceful and prosperous city.

Addressing criticisms about minority representation, Mayor Wahab rejected the idea of singling out any individual, advocating equal respect for all community heroes. Proud of his own Parsi school background, he underscored the importance of unity across religions and ethnicities.

In a historic move, the KMC Council has renamed its Head Office as the Jamshed Nusserwanjee Mehta KMC Building, honoring Karachi’s first elected mayor and revered social reformer.

Mayor Wahab praised minority communities’ unwavering service to Karachi and Pakistan, stressing that unity is key to a brighter future. He also noted the Sindh Assembly’s recent resolutions, including one unanimously opposing forced religious conversions.

Announcing development initiatives, he shared a PKR 620 million scheme for Essa Nagri, a major Christian area, with proposals to rename it “Masihi Nagri” subject to stakeholder approval.

The event underscored a shared commitment to equality, respect, and progress for all Pakistanis.