Khail Das Kohistani, Minister of State for Religious Affairs, met with French Ambassador Nicolas Gili in Islamabad on October 1, 2025, to exchange views on proposals aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and lasting peace. The discussions focused on practical measures to strengthen social cohesion and protect the rights of religious minorities across Pakistan.
The French ambassador expressed sorrow over the recent floods in Pakistan and offered condolences for the loss of life and property. He reaffirmed France’s readiness to assist Pakistan in relief and recovery efforts, and signalled interest in supporting initiatives that aid vulnerable minority communities affected by the disaster.
Minister Kohistani highlighted a series of government measures designed to politically, socially, and economically empower minorities. He noted that minority representatives have been included in both the Punjab provincial cabinet and the federal cabinet, and said that the planned National Commission for Minorities will simplify the resolution of community-specific issues.
The minister reiterated that minority religious festivals are officially observed at the government level and emphasized that minorities enjoy full freedom to practise their religions and customs in Pakistan. He underlined the state’s commitment to ensuring equal civic space and protection for all faith communities as part of broader efforts to bolster interfaith harmony.
Ambassador Gili pointed to significant opportunities for religious tourism in Pakistan and expressed France’s willingness to collaborate on preserving and restoring religious heritage sites. Both sides agreed to explore joint projects that combine heritage conservation with community development, linking cultural preservation to minority welfare and local economic benefits.
Participants left the meeting with a mutual commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation on minority empowerment, religious tourism and heritage conservation, and to continue dialogue on policies that support interfaith harmony and social stability across Pakistan.
