Karachi: July 18, 2015. (PCP) The role of minorities in the upcoming local bodies’ elections was highlighted at a seminar organized by Minority Development Initiative (MDI), a newly formed platform to promote dialogue on the issues of minorities in Pakistan. The seminar was addressed by Mr. Najmi Alam, PPP President Karachi Division, Mr. Karamat Ali, Director, Pakistan Institute of Labour Education & Research (PILER), Ms Malka Khan, Aurat Foundation, Karachi and Mr. Siddiq Nawaz, Central Vice President, Minority Wing, PML (N). Mr. Zahid Farooq, Joint Director, Urban Resource Centre elaborated objectives of the seminar while Mr. Imtiaz Khokhar, Member, MDI and ex-Malir Town Councilor, welcomed the participants. Mr. Khurram Iqbal, Advocate, Sindh High Court gave key note address. Mr. Najmi Alam stressed minority leaders and political activists to be part of the mainstream political activity to make them visible in the political arena. Mr. Karamat Ali while appreciating efforts of MDI in creating political awareness offered assistance by PILER in providing training to the potential minority leaders. Ms Malka Khan urged women to take active part in the struggle for demanding civic rights. She said that with the provisions of law women can contest local bodies’ elections and be instrumental in solving civic as well as the community problems. In his concluding address Rt. Rev. Sadiq Daniel, Bishop, Church of Pakistan, Karachi & Balochistan Diocese, urged the Christian Community for unity so as to address their problems. He assured that the Church would support all endeavors to create awareness and development of potential leaders. While giving vote of thanks, Mr. Anthony Naveed, Coordinator, MDI highlighted issues being faced by minorities especially in the local bodies’ elections and said that MDI seeks to develop potential leaders and activists who can become catalyst in the political struggle of the minorities in Pakistan. The seminar was attended by a large number of community members, men and women, from different areas of Karachi.