Pakistan, Aug. 13 -- President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged intensified efforts to safeguard minority rights, promote religious tolerance, and ensure the restoration of worship places unlawfully occupied, reaffirming that minorities are an integral part of Pakistan's social and national fabric.

He made these remarks during a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, who briefed him on the ministry's initiatives, including policy measures, welfare programs, and interfaith engagement, a Presidency's news release said.

President Zardari commended the ministry's work in protecting minority rights and organizing National Minorities Day celebrations, while calling ...