Minister, Irish envoy discuss minority welfare, inclusive development

LAHORE: In order to provide the social protection and economic empowerment of minority communities in Punjab, as well as opportunities for greater cooperation in human rights, interfaith harmony and inclusive development, Irish Ambassador Mary O’Neill met Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora briefed the Irish ambassador on the Punjab Minority Card and various measures being undertaken by the provincial government to strengthen the social protection of minority communities and create greater opportunities for their economic empowerment.

The minister said the Punjab Minority Card was an important initiative aimed at providing social protection and promoting economic independence among deserving members of minority communities.

He said that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, six major religious festivals of minority communities were being officially observed at the provincial level under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Arora said the preservation, restoration and protection of historical religious and interfaith heritage sites remained a key priority of the Punjab government. He added that Rs 4 billion had been allocated on the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for the development and rehabilitation of minority areas and cemeteries.

The minister said the provincial government was taking targeted measures to expand economic opportunities for minority communities, support their development and improve their quality of life.

Ambassador Mary O’Neill appreciated the minority-friendly initiatives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and said the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen, empower and improve the welfare of minority communities were commendable.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of human rights, interfaith harmony and inclusive development, while reaffirming the importance of strengthening interfaith engagement and promoting equal opportunities for minority communities.

Secretary Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Dr Usman Ali Khan, CEO Agahi Mubarak Ali Sarwar and Carolina Foley from the Embassy of Ireland also attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026