Punjab Finalizes Grand Celebrations for Minority Week (Aug 7-11)

Celebrations for Minority Week Finalized: A Week of Unity and Harmony Awaits Punjab

LAHORE – 5 August 2025:Ali Imran Chattha

A comprehensive and vibrant program has been finalized for the upcoming Minority Week, set to take place from August 7th to 11th, 2025, across Punjab. The week-long celebration aims to highlight unity in diversity and promote interfaith harmony, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The program includes a diverse range of activities designed to engage communities and showcase a peaceful, tolerant Pakistan.

Key Events:

The week will kick off on August 7th with an opening ceremony at the Cathedral Church of Pakistan, Regal Chowk. A colorful convoy of double-decker buses will be launched, accompanied by a tree plantation drive to raise environmental awareness. The convoy will visit several key religious and cultural landmarks, including Krishna Mandir, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Badshahi Mosque, and Iqbal’s Mausoleum, before concluding with a grand interfaith celebration at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Other events include a university-based program focused on minority rights and youth engagement, a high-profile seminar on interfaith harmony at Alhamra Arts Council, and a sports day to foster community bonding.

Minister Reviews Preparations:

Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements. The meeting was attended by key government stakeholders, including Secretary Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Farid Ahmed Tarrar, Chairman Standing Committee on Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Falbous Christopher, and several MPAs.

Minister Arora emphasized that this initiative presents a historic opportunity to project Pakistan's peaceful and inclusive image to the world, noting the expected participation of foreign diplomats.

Departmental Coordination:

All relevant departments have been assigned specific responsibilities to ensure the seamless execution of the program. The Tourism Department will provide the double-decker buses, Traffic Police will manage the convoy route, and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) will oversee arrangements at the Mandir and Gurdwara. The Information & Culture Department is tasked with coordinating international media coverage.

Representatives from WASA, PHA, Auqaf, Home Department, DGPR, WCLA, and Lahore Police were also present to ensure effective coordination and a successful event.