Maryam Nawaz Launches Punjab's First Week-Long Minority Week

Historic Minority Week Launched on the Directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
Interfaith Harmony Rally Led by Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora Concludes at the Rear Lawn of the Badshahi Mosque
Lahore, August 7 Ali Imran Chattha 

On the special directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab formally launched the historic Minority Week, replacing the traditional one-day observance with a week-long series of events aimed at promoting interfaith harmony, religious tolerance and national unity. The celebrations will continue from August 7 to August 11 across the province through a variety of religious, social and cultural activities.
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.
The participants received a warm welcome from Bishop Dr. Majeed Abel of the Presbyterian Church, who also offered special prayers for Pakistan's peace, prosperity, stability and development. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora thanked all distinguished guests, religious leaders, civil society representatives, media personnel and participants for their valuable contribution towards strengthening interfaith harmony and social cohesion.

During the ceremony, the Provincial Minister also participated 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 concluding 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 further stated that 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.
Concluding his address, the Provincial Minister said that the celebrations of Minority Week reaffirm Pakistan'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 the rights of all minorities.