Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab, Marriyum Aurangzeb, while addressing the Christmas Interfaith Harmony ceremony at Liberty Chowk in Punjabi, extended advance Christmas greetings to the Christian community on her behalf and on behalf of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She said that she felt immense happiness in coming to Liberty Chowk and that all of us are united in the mission of the country, the nation, and the leadership.
The Senior Provincial Minister stated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif does not consider minorities as minorities, but as equal citizens, and has referred to them as the crown of her head in the Punjab Assembly. She clarified that the Minority Card is a gift, but the real objective is the development, prosperity, and protection of minorities. The Chief Minister of Punjab has increased the Minority Cards from 75,000 to 100,000.
Marriyum Aurangzeb paid tribute to the role of the Christian community, saying that the Pakistani flag is incomplete without the Christian community. She said that in Punjab, Christmas, Vaisakhi, and all religious festivals are celebrated like Eid. She added that today Punjab is safe, the reins of development are in the hands of Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, and that Maryam Nawaz is bringing back the spring of Punjab.
She said that the revival of the Horse and Cattle Show after 30 years and Basant after 25 years are historic initiatives. The gathering of people from all religions at Liberty Chowk is proof that Punjab is safe and peaceful. Under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, every religion, every school of thought, and every segment of society is being represented in Punjab.
The Senior Provincial Minister informed that the Government of Punjab is providing laptops to 100,000 children and scholarships to 50,000 students. One thousand field hospitals and Clinics on Wheels are actively serving the public. A total of 1,100 green buses are operating across Punjab, and within a short period of one and a half years, new benchmarks of public service have been set. Under the “Apna Ghar” scheme, 120,000 families have already been provided with homes.
She said that even the opposition acknowledges that development work is taking place in Punjab. Special measures are being taken for the protection of Christian graveyards, and the provision of streets, roads, and public facilities for people of all religions is being ensured without discrimination. Maryam Nawaz Sharif is beautifying gurdwaras, mosques, and other places of worship, and the contributions of Christian brothers in every walk of life are being saluted. The Government of Punjab is fully committed to safeguarding the rights and facilities of minorities.
Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that for the first time in Punjab’s history, a Christmas tree, ceremony, and rally have been organized at Liberty Chowk. The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Bible, while candles were lit in recognition of the Peace Committee and the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq. She said that Islam also declares the protection of minority rights as the responsibility of the state.
She announced that the Christmas tree installed at Liberty Chowk will remain illuminated until December 25, and a spectacular fireworks display was also held.
Provincial Minister Sardar Ramesh Arora, Zeeshan Malik, Sonia Ashiq, bishops, Muslim scholars, and a large number of members of the Christian community attended the ceremony.