LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on the Inter-national Day Commemora-ting the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief, said that no religion preached or permitted violence. She said that no civilised society could support violence against people belonging to different faiths.
The chief minister said violence on the basis of religion or belief was a condemnable act. “Muslims are being targeted on religious grounds, and the rising Islamophobia is a glaring example of this,” she said.
Maryam Nawaz said Muslims had been subjected to violence on the basis of their religious beliefs in Kashmir and Palestine for decades.
She said Pakistan accorded equal respect to followers of all religions and beliefs. “The white portion of Pakistan’s green and white flag represents the country’s religious minorities. All Pakistanis are equal and there is no discrimination,” she added.
The chief minister said any attempt to harm minorities would be dealt with firmly. She said the Punjab government was committed to promoting religious harmony and tolerance. She said discrimination and violence based on religion or belief must be prevented and called for promotion of love, tolerance and brotherhood in society. “Those attempting to promote religious hatred and discrimination must be defeated,” she said, adding that they stood with every victim of violence and hatred based on religion or belief and would continue to do so.
The chief minister appealed to the people to stand against violence and prejudice and play their role in building a peaceful and secure society.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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