LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of minority groups, vowing to act as an unyielding force against any form of mistreatment during her tenure.
Addressing the Christian community on Christmas, she issued directives for immediate resolution of issues concerning minority cemeteries and encouraged minority leader Ramesh Singh Arora to share budgetary requirements to enable the government to allocate adequate funding.
She stressed that the identity of Pakistanis transcends religious lines, uniting Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus under one banner. She stated that Punjab will continue to serve as a safe haven for minorities, stressing that violations of their rights are entirely intolerable.
Maryam Nawaz also commended the contribution of Suthra Punjab workers in maintaining the cleanliness of churches and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance places of worship throughout the province.
She ensured that minorities are equally considered in the provincial budget and announced an increase in the minority welfare card amount from 75,000 to 100,000 rupees as part of initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.
She concluded by emphasizing Punjab’s ambition to lead by example on the global stage, showcasing unity and protection for all citizens while underscoring the valued role of minorities within the province.
