Punjab Govt Grants Aid to 318 Minority Families in Nankana Sahib

Nankana Sahib (Nazrana Times) – Report: Ali Imran Chattha

The Government of Punjab distributed financial assistance cheques among 318 deserving minority families in Nankana Sahib on the occasions of Diwali, Easter, and Vaisakhi.
The ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Deputy Commissioner Tasleem Akhtar Rao, and other senior district officials.
According to officials, beneficiaries included 21 Hindus, 198 Christians, and 99 Sikhs. Speaking to the media, Ramesh Singh Arora said that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens regardless of religion. He emphasized that the government is taking practical steps to ensure minority protection and religious freedom.
He highlighted that 100,000 deserving minority families have received Minority Cards purely on merit, ensuring transparent support based on poverty scores. Special grants have also been allocated during major religious festivals such as Christmas, Vaisakhi, Diwali, and Easter.
The minister further stated that under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Minority Affairs Department’s budget has increased from Rs. 500 million to Rs. 10 billion, significantly boosting welfare initiatives. He also noted that official Christmas celebrations and interfaith harmony events have strengthened unity across the province.
He also commented on governance issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that challenges like unemployment and insecurity persist due to ineffective leadership.
Beneficiaries appreciated the initiative, saying it helps them celebrate their religious festivals with dignity and happiness.