LAHORE :Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora and Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat participated in a special ceremony organized by the Department of Human Rights in collaboration with the welfare organization “BARGAD” to commemorate Minorities Day.
The event was held at the e-Library near Gaddafi Stadium here on Thursday, where a large number of youth from 12 Union Councils of Lahore, representing the Sikh, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities, were present. The event also saw the participation of Allama Asghar Chishti, Director of Human Rights Muhammad Yousuf, Meteorologist Maheen Azam Khan, Romah Shamshad from Kinnaird College, and officials from the Punjab government’s established “Misaq Center.”
In her address, BARGAD’s Executive Director Sabiha Shaheen outlined the objectives of the ceremony, stating that every year, Minorities Day is celebrated on August 11 to ensure the eradication of the sense of deprivation among minorities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora emphasized that on August 11, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam had clearly stated that everyone in Pakistan would be free to visit their places of worship, and today the Punjab government is taking historic steps to turn that dream into reality, striving to make Pakistan truly inclusive for all. He further expressed that four generations of his family are buried in this soil, and he too wishes to be buried here. He highlighted that a historic budget has been allocated for religious minorities in the recent budget to eliminate the sense of deprivation.
The Minister also pointed out that around 18,000 seats related to minorities are currently vacant. The Punjab government is keen to bring minorities forward in every field, and a letter is being sent to the Finance Department in this regard. There has been nearly a 200% increase in funds for youth belonging to minorities, with the Minorities Development Fund being particularly noteworthy.
This fund aims to accelerate development work in areas where Christian or Hindu communities reside. Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, in his speech, stated that the scholarship grants for minorities have been increased to ensure that students do not face difficulties in obtaining education. Every religion advocates for humanity, and the Punjab government is practically implementing this philosophy.
The event also featured a panel discussion where the youth asked various questions, and the Ministers provided answers. In a special segment of the ceremony, 78-year-old Hidayat Masih Mali was awarded a shield and a cash prize for planting approximately 1.8 million trees over the past 60 years. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Provincial Ministers were presented with commemorative shields, and officials associated with BARGAD were awarded certificates of appreciation.
