KHANEWAL  -  As part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s scheme, minority cards were distributed among the minorities of District Khanewal at a local hotel on Saturday. Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, attended as the chief guest.

While addressing the ceremony, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stated that minorities are the pride of the nation, and all Pakistanis are equal. He emphasized that under the vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz Sharif, efforts are being made to protect the rights of minorities.

For the first time in history, the government is providing a quarterly financial aid of PKR 10,500 to deserving minorities. He further mentioned that Pakistani minorities enjoy the most rights worldwide. A budget of PKR 2.5 billion will be allocated for the construction and renovation of minority places of worship. Additionally, Pakistan is the only country where the Sikh and Hindu Marriage Acts have been passed. The minister added that the public service initiatives of the Chief Minister of Punjab have alleviated people’s sense of deprivation. He stressed that promoting religious harmony is a shared responsibility. A special Easter package of PKR 15,000 will be introduced for the Christian community. He also emphasized that true change can only come through education for minorities.

Addressing the event, Provincial Parliamentary Secretary for Communication and Works, Rana Saleem Hanif, stated that merit and transparency have been ensured in all initiatives of the Chief Minister of Punjab. He highlighted that financial assistance is being provided without discrimination, even to those with differing views. He also noted that minorities in Khanewal are treated equally and like brothers.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Salma Suleman congratulated the minority cardholders and assured that all aid packages from the Chief Minister of Punjab are being implemented based on merit. Deputy Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Mian Umar Hayat, shared that 3,653 minority households applied for the program, out of which 2,138 were declared eligible, while the verification process for 2,077 minority households in the district has also been completed.

Former Provincial Transport Minister, Haji Irfan Ahmed Khan Daha, praised the financial support for underprivileged minorities, emphasizing that Islamic teachings encourage discreet charitable assistance for minorities. The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Siyah, Assistant Commissioner Sumbal Javed, Deputy Director of Social Welfare Akasha Rasool, and other officials. Later, Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora distributed minority cards among the Christian community and listened to their concerns.