Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the introduction of Pakistan’s first Minority Card, which will provide financial assistance to the underprivileged members of the minority community, ensuring their livelihood with financial support every three months.
While addressing a Christmas ceremony at Lahore’s largest church, House of Prayer, Maryam Nawaz said the Minority Card would be launched in early 2025. She promised to provide maximum financial help to the minority community, ensuring that no they have to do it. depend on the support of others.
Maryam Nawaz further said, “The State is like a mother and as Chief Minister, I am like a mother to you. A mother never discriminates between her children. There is no difference in my heart and mind based on religion. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and people of all other religions are the pride of my life.”
He stressed that the protection and development of the people of Punjab was his responsibility and he was working day and night for their welfare. “For me, both minorities and majorities are equal,” he added. “Every project of the Punjab government includes contributions from all communities.”
Maryam Nawaz said, “I have come to this Christmas ceremony to make you feel that you are a part of me and I am a part of you. Anyone who causes harm to our minority brothers and sisters will hurt me. “Protecting the minority community is our collective responsibility.” He added that the doors of his office, his heart and his home were always open to the minority community.
He revealed that he was paying special attention to establishing an inclusive society for the Christian community and had increased the budget for this by 200%. “If it were up to me, I would increase the budget by 5,000%, because increasing the budget for the Christian community is not a favor, it is their right,” he explained.
Maryam Nawaz also shared that her father Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had sent his Christmas greetings to the Christian community. He said Nawaz Sharif often reminded him not to use the term “minority” as minorities are a part of Pakistan as much as anyone else.
Recalling her visit to Mariamabad during Easter, she said the Christian community had welcomed her warmly, with love and respect, even inviting her into their homes. He shared that the Chief Minister had visited Mariamabad Church after 120 years to celebrate Easter.
Maryam Nawaz stated that her focus remains on creating a better Pakistan and Punjab for the minority community, ensuring that they live free from fear and threats.
At the conclusion of the ceremony he expressed: “I share your happiness and my prayer is for the prosperity and joy of the minority population.” Upon learning that the Christmas event had 10,000 attendees, he had brought 10,000 cakes as a small token of love and affection from Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
‘Punjab Religious Harmony Center’
Delivering a message of happiness and love to the Christian community across the world on the eve of Christmas, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the province has become the center of interfaith harmony in the country.
The Prime Minister said she also shared the community’s joy at the Christmas festivities. “Christmas conveys a message of peace, love and service,” he said.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said: “The Christian community of Pakistan has always rendered commendable services in development, education, health and other sectors of the country. I highly acknowledge the invaluable sacrifices and hard work of the minority community and also I pay them a rich tribute.” “.
He added: “The Punjab government is taking strong measures for the protection of the rights of all minorities and their well-being. It is a matter of great pride that Punjab has become the center of inter-religious harmony in Pakistan. We are committed to protecting of minorities and a better life for them as it is among the Punjab government.
