Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz vows protection and progress for minorities

Lahore (Web Desk): On the occasion of National Minorities Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of minority communities, describing them as an essential and cherished component of the social fabric of Pakistan. She expressed that minorities are not only a symbol of the country’s cultural richness but also play a vital role in its growth and prosperity.

In her message, the Chief Minister emphasized that Pakistan, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam, belongs to every citizen regardless of their religion, and it is the state’s responsibility to ensure their safety, freedom, and right to practice their faith without fear or discrimination. She paid tribute to members of minority communities who are actively contributing to the nation’s progress across various fields.

Highlighting recent steps taken by the provincial administration, she noted that Punjab has become the first province to introduce a Minority Card aimed at the welfare and support of minority populations. At present, 50,000 individuals are receiving quarterly financial assistance of Rs10,500 through this program, with plans underway to expand the reach to 75,000 beneficiaries in the near future.

She also announced the passing of significant legislative reforms, including the historic approval of the Sikh Marriage Act 2024, granting legal recognition to the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony, Anand Karaj. Additionally, she confirmed that the long-awaited Hindu Marriage Act 2017 had been formally ratified in 2025, further cementing legal protections for minority faiths.

Maryam Nawaz pointed out that her government had allocated Rs8 billion in the current fiscal year for developmental and welfare initiatives targeted specifically at minority communities. She also mentioned a substantial increase in state-sponsored funding for religious celebrations, with the budget raised from Rs60 million to Rs366 million to support cultural and spiritual festivities.

The chief minister further revealed that restoration efforts are actively being carried out at various religious and historical sites.

These include 40 Gurdwaras, 25 churches, and five temples across Punjab. Noteworthy among these projects are the preservation works at the Samadhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Lahore, Shri Krishna Mandir in Rawalpindi, and the Church of Pakistan.

In the area of education, she reported that Rs60 million had been disbursed in scholarships for students from minority backgrounds. Additionally, vocational training programs have been launched in Youhanabad, initially benefiting 1,000 young people in the first phase and expected to reach 10,000 participants in the second.

She proudly shared that, for the first time, major minority religious festivals including Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter were officially celebrated under the provincial government’s auspices, signaling a shift toward greater inclusion and recognition.

Maryam Nawaz also reiterated her administration's firm implementation of the minority quota in public sector employment, stressing that the goal is not merely to protect rights, but to ensure fair and equal participation in all areas of progress and development.

Concluding her message, she expressed her vision for a more inclusive society, rooted in harmony, compassion, and mutual respect. She stated that minorities are an irreplaceable part of the nation's identity and that the government will continue to uphold their rights and preserve the diverse beauty they bring to the country.