Lahore, (PR) : A grand ceremony marking National Minority Day was held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore, with Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora attending as the chief guest. The event was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Asher, Secretary for Human Rights & Minority Affairs Fareed Ahmed Tarar, minority MPAs Baba Fabulous, Tariq Masih Gill, Shakeela Arthur, and Waseem Sandhu, along with leaders from various faiths, civil society members, diplomats, sports personalities, and a large gathering of the public.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem and recitations from holy scriptures. Delivering the welcome address, Secretary Fareed Ahmed Tarar praised the dedicated efforts of the Department of Human Rights & Minority Affairs in organizing such a vibrant and diverse event.
In his keynote speech, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora stated that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, but this should never be mistaken for weakness. “We have conveyed to India that disputes can only be resolved through dialogue. He payed tribute to Field Marshal for giving India a befitting response. Anyone casting an evil eye on Pakistan will be made an example,” he declared.
Highlighting the unity among faiths, he said, “Today’s scene is heartening, people of all religions standing together under one flag. This truly represents Pakistan’s spirit of Unity in Diversity.
He further stated that the Punjab government is committed to ensuring the protection of minority communities. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, historic steps have been taken, including the distribution of minority cards to 50,000 families, number soon to be increased to 75,000. He also emphasized the importance of education, noting that scholarships from matriculation to PhD level are being awarded to minority students. “Since May 10, the Pakistani nation has been more united than ever before, ready to face every challenge together,” he added.
Minority MPAs, Baba Fabulous stressed that Minority Day reaffirms the resolve of minorities to stand shoulder to shoulder in Pakistan’s progress and prosperity. Tariq Masih Gill praised the Punjab government’s initiatives for minorities, likening the green and white in the national flag to the unity of the nation. Shakeela Arthur highlighted that the gathering was proof that all religions in Pakistan coexist peacefully with equal rights. Sonia Asher said that scholarships and minority cards have brought new hope to their community.
The event was filled with patriotic fervor as participants enthusiastically chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” and “Pak Army Zindabad.” A special documentary prepared by the Department of Human Rights & Minority Affairs was also screened.
At the end, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora initiated the distribution of scholarship cheques to 1,100 students from matriculation to PhD level.
The ceremony was also attended by Additional Secretary Rizwana Naveed, Deputy Secretary Ayesha Yaseen, Olympian Sohail Sisters, and Reverend Dr. Majeed Abel, among other notable figures.