LAHORE: Acknowledging the role of minorities in national development, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that a “minority-friendly Punjab” is not only her vision but a shared dream of every Pakistani.
While addressing a ceremony, here at Cathedral Church, the CM, while extending Christmas greetings to the Christian community, reaffirmed her commitment to make Punjab a safe and inclusive province for minorities.
Announcing key initiatives, she said the number of Minority Cards is being increased from 75,000 to 100,000, and also directed authorities to take immediate steps to resolve issues related to minority graveyards across the province.
She said the responsibility of protecting minorities rests particularly on the majority community, adding that as chief minister she ensures minorities receive an equal share in Punjab’s resources.
Referring to Christmas celebrations, Maryam Nawaz noted that cities are decorated, “Merry Christmas” banners are displayed, and a large Christmas tree and Santa Claus are installed at Liberty Chowk.
She says she feels pleased that her father and mentor, PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, is repeatedly acknowledged for his role in promoting minority welfare.
Sharing personal reflections, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says her education at a convent school teaches her respect for other religions, a value reinforced by her faith and upbringing. She cites a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) about standing as a witness for minorities against injustice, calling it the strongest possible guarantee of minority rights.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif praises the contributions of minorities in the judiciary, education, health sector, armed forces and other fields, noting that the names of prominent minority figures are written in golden letters in history. She says a civilised society is judged by its commitment to justice and protection of minorities.
She says minorities are included in all provincial projects, including the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing scheme, and expresses happiness that minority families are benefiting from it.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif adds that programmes such as Dhee Rani, Rashan Card, Honhaar Scholarship and Kisan Card are implemented without discrimination on the basis of religion.
The chief minister also highlights an incident from Lodhran where a Christian student delivers a speech at a Honhaar Scholarship ceremony, saying it moves her deeply. Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the minority budget is increased by 600 per cent, adding that minorities have a rightful claim on the entire provincial budget.
Reiterating her stance, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says Punjab truly places minorities “on its crown,” declaring their dignity, protection and honour her personal responsibility.
She warns that the state responds with full force to anyone who harms minorities or violates their rights, and vows to stand “like a wall of lead” if any member of the minority community faces injustice.
Expressing happiness over the festive atmosphere, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the sound of church bells during Christmas symbolises the Punjab she is proud of. “Our joys and sorrows are shared. By holding hands, we will prove that we are all one,” she said, assuring that as long as she remains chief minister, no injustice against minorities will be tolerated in Punjab.
The CM said that all citizens are equal Pakistanis and stressed the need to rise above any majority–minority divide.
The chief minister also participated in a cake-cutting ceremony alongside Christian leaders and distributed Christmas cakes among Christian families.
The ceremony was attended by leaders of various faiths as well as diplomats from the United States, Britain and other countries. Children dressed as Santa Claus drew particular attention.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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