CHAKWAL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has claimed that the incumbent government was protecting the lives of minority groups and the day was not far when Pakistan will be recognised as a “minorities-friendly country”.

“Islam and all other religions preach peace and those preaching otherwise were not doing a service to the religion,” he said while speaking at the Katas Raj Temples Complex here on Wednesday.

“Followers of all religions have equal rights in Pakistan and they are working hand in hand to defend the country and contribute to its peace and prosperity,” the premier said, adding that he has advised government officials to spare no efforts in hosting pilgrims and in ensuring the protection and expansion of minorities’ places of worship.

PM Nawaz further said that he was the prime minister of all Pakistanis and “not just Muslim Pakistanis” and instructed Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Chairman Siddiqul Farooq to restore the holy sites in the area to their original state.

Referring to the development regarding education in the country, the premier said that his govt would ensure full support for the construction of the Baba Guru Nanak and Gandhara universities.

“With best educational reforms and improved building infrastructure, we want the children to get a conducive environment at their educational institutions,” he said.

“Pakistan of 2018 would be much improved in terms of education and health sectors as compared to previous years,” the prime minister added.