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LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora has said that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was ensuring equal rights, protection and development opportunities for minority communities, as 12-day Christmas celebrations continue across the province.
The minister was addressing a grand Christmas ceremony held at FGA Ground, here on Wednesday, where he attended as chief guest. The event, organised under the auspices of Senior Pastor Anwar Fazal, was attended by government officials, religious leaders, community elders and a large number of members of the Christian community.
Speaking on the occasion, Ramesh Singh Arora extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community and praised the inclusive and minority-friendly vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He said the Minorities Affairs Department’s budget had been increased by 300 percent under the present government, terming it a historic step towards the welfare and empowerment of minorities.
The provincial minister highlighted that, for the first time in Pakistan’s history, minority students were appearing in CSS examinations, reflecting growing confidence and equal opportunities. He also announced the continuation and expansion of scholarship programs for minority students to facilitate access to higher education.
He said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, the government was officially observing Christmas celebrations for 12 consecutive days, sending a strong message of interfaith harmony, respect and social inclusion.
The ceremony featured a carol service and candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing peace, hope and unity, followed by hymns, Christmas carols and skits conveying messages of love, sacrifice and harmony.
Senior Pastor Anwar Fazal thanked the Punjab government for officially recognizing Christmas celebrations and offered special prayers for Pakistan’s prosperity, stability, national unity and the success of state institutions.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora cut the Christmas cake along with members of the Christian community.
Prominent attendees included Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Emanuel Ather MPA, ASP Kashmala Farwa, Pastor Shaukat Fazal, Bishop Izaac, Akbar Alam, Waseem Raja, Kashif Sajan, Saleem Shakim, Shahbaz Sahora and Saleem Rehmat.