Protecting minorities also moral responsibility of citizen: Minister

LAHORE: Punjab Housing Minister Bilal Yasin has said that practical measures are being taken in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz to ensure the protection of minorities and safeguard their rights.

“Protecting minorities is not only a constitutional duty of the state but also a moral responsibility of every citizen,” he said while addressing a ceremony held here on Thursday for the balloting of Christian employees of the Parks and Horticulture Agency (PHA) Lahore for visits to holy sites.

PHA Lahore Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt, Managing Director Ahmad Usman Javed, Director Administration Sonia Kaleem, other officers and employees, and office-bearers of the PHA Lahore Union were also present.

On the occasion, the Minister Bilal Yasin announced that all 70 Christian employees of the Agency would be facilitated to visit holy sites. He added that Christian employees were playing a vital role in the development and progress of the institution and their services were highly appreciated. Providing them with an opportunity to visit holy sites was a matter of honour and happiness for the employees, he added.

Yasin congratulated all employees selected for the religious pilgrimage and wished them well on their journey. He added that the Punjab government continues its efforts to provide minorities with equal rights and better opportunities. Religious harmony, mutual respect and protection of minority rights are a shared national responsibility, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026