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RAWALPINDI, Dec 13 (APP):Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, said that Christmas celebrations will formally begin across Punjab from December 14. He made these remarks while attending a Christmas event at Christ Church Rawalpindi as the chief guest, where a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony was also held.
Addressing the gathering, the provincial minister said that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif is firmly committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of minorities.
He added that in her first address after assuming office, the chief minister announced concrete initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of minority communities.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that renovation and restoration work of minority places of worship is underway across the province.
He noted that minorities are enjoying completely religious freedom and that, in line with the vision of the Punjab Chief Minister, practical steps are being taken to ensure their protection and inclusion.
He further said that the budget of the Minority Affairs Department has been increased by 300 percent to strengthen development and support programmes. He added that the largest social safety net programme in the country’s history has been launched, under which 75,000 minority cards have been distributed.
The provincial minister announced that a Christmas rally will be organised on December 14, with participation from followers of all religions. The rally will begin from Cathedral Church at Regal Chowk and conclude at Liberty Chowk in Lahore. He added that Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb will also participate in the Christmas festivities.