Lahore, December 22, 2018 (PPI-OT): Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has organized special ceremony of Christmas for Christian community at 90th Highway Quaid-e-Azam. Cake cutting ceremony was held in the kind presence of chief minister Punjab and other focal persons of Christian community where he congratulated the community regarding Christmas festival. CM received round of appreciation and applause for the successful completion of their 100 days plan. He presented a cheque of 2 lakh rupees to the gold medalist of Asian Classic power lifting championship held in Mongolia.
He promised that issue of Christian schools will be resolved soon as he will opt needful steps in this regard instantly. In his speech, CM said that festivals like Christmas are worthy of great importance as it helps promote the brotherhood among the community. He said that the minorities especially christen community has played a vital role in the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Their patriotism and hard work should be appreciated.
He said that we all own this land equally and every minority has equal religious rights in Pakistan. He said that I congratulate all of you on the success of twinkle Sohail in the weight lifting championship. He has enlightened the name of Pakistan. The government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf is making policies for the equal rights of minorities. Be it education, sports or any field of everyday life, Pakistani citizens belonging to different minority communities have enlightened the name of Pakistan. Punjab government has introduced minority Empowerment Package for the protection of rights of minorities. More than 2.5 crore Rupees has been allocated for scholarship of students at minority quota likewise 45 crore were being allotted for the development of this community.
Three million rupees have been allocated in order to be a part of celebrations of Christian brothers. Furthermore, he added that project of TEVTA Technical Training will be initiated which will make more than 8,000 Christians skillful. He said that religious rituals of minorities are fully respected and they are free to take decisions of their choice about their personal life. Advisory Council has been established to set matters related to marriage and divorce.
He said that 25th December is also important as it is the birthday of our beloved Quaid-e-Azam. Minister of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ejaz Alam, Member of National Assembly Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Shaneela Routh, Archbishop Lahore Mr. Sebastian Shaw and Bishop of Lahore Irfan Jamil also addressed the function. Provincial Minister Murad Raas, Spokesman to CM Dr. Shehbaz Gill, Members of Parliament, representatives of Churches and large number of Christians were present on this occasion.
For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk