Islamabad, Aug 11 - Holding that attacks on minorities posed a 'great challenge', Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Tuesday reiterated the government's resolve to safeguard their rights as envisaged in the constitution.

'The sporadic events of terrorism against minorities are a great challenge for us. But every one of us is sure that such events are part of a conspiracy to destablise the growth and development of Pakistan,' he said in a message on Minorities Day that is being observed in the country for the first time.

'On this day, I reiterate that the rights and privileges of all the minorities living in Pakistan shall be fully safeguarded by the people's government as enshrined in the constitution of Pakistan in accordance with the guiding principles laid down by the father of nation in his historic speech of August 11, 1947,' Gilani added.

Seven Christians were killed in the communal riots that erupted in the Punjab province's Gojra town earlier this month over the alleged desecration of the Quran. Masked gunmen also torched the houses of some 100 Christians.

The incident had figured in the National Assembly, the lower house of Pakistan's parliament, Aug 4 with the house unanimously adopting a resolution condemning the attack and calling for stern action against the perpetrators of the violence.