Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed to launch Minority Week in August every year, replacing the traditional Minority Day with a week-long events aimed at promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and national unity.
Maryam Nawaz replaces ‘Minority Day’ with Minority Week to promote inter-faith harmony
LAHORE, Aug 07 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed to launch Minority Week in August every year, replacing the traditional Minority Day with a week-long events aimed at promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and national unity.
The ‘Minority Week’ will be observed from August 7 to August 11 across the province through a variety of religious, social and cultural activities.
The Minority Week reaffirm PML-N government’s commitment to building an inclusive society based on equality, mutual respect, religious freedom and brotherhood, while the Punjab Government will continue taking practical measures to strengthen interfaith harmony and protect rights of all minorities.
The inaugural ceremony was held at the Presbyterian Church, Naulakha, Lahore, where Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora led a grand Interfaith Harmony Rally.
The event was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Ashir, Members of the Provincial Assembly Ijaz Alam Augustine, Waseem Anjum Sandhu, Shakeela Ejaz Arthur and Baba Philobus, Chief Executive of Aagahi Mubarak Ali Sarwar, Muhammad Murtaza Khokhar of the Rural Community Development Society, prominent religious leaders from different faiths, representatives of civil society and members of minority communities.
Bishop Dr. Majeed Abel of the Presbyterian Church held a special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity, stability and development on the occasion.
Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora took part in a tree plantation activity within the church premises.
The Interfaith Harmony Rally later proceeded from the Presbyterian Church to Krishna Mandir, Gurdwara Dera Sahib and other sacred sites before culminating at the rear lawn of the Badshahi Mosque, where the concluding ceremony was held.
Religious leaders belonging to different faiths joined hands with the Provincial Minister in a symbolic human chain, alongside youth, women and citizens, demonstrating Pakistan’s collective commitment to unity, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif remains steadfast in fulfilling her promise to restore hope and smiles to the people of Punjab.
He said that her people-centric initiatives are reaching every segment of society without discrimination, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Minister stated that minorities are a valued and integral part of Pakistan’s social fabric. Quoting the Chief Minister, he said, “Minorities are the crown of our heads, and it is the State’s responsibility to ensure their protection, dignity and equal rights.” He added that the observance of an entire Minority Week, instead of a single day, reflects the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, mutual respect, religious freedom and national integration.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora paid tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces for their remarkable sacrifices in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, ensuring peace and stability, and strengthening national unity. He said the country’s political and military leadership has consistently played a responsible role in promoting regional peace, stability and harmony.
He said under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan has earned greater respect and recognition at the international level.
‘Through responsible diplomacy, a commitment to peace and constructive engagement, Pakistan has projected a positive image of a peaceful and responsible nation, widely acknowledged by the international community’, he added.
