Lahore: In her message on National Minorities Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her commitment to the rights and inclusion of minority communities in the province, echoing the foundational principles of equality set by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Chief Minister highlighted her administration’s efforts to provide equal opportunities for education and employment to minority groups, alongside significant legislative progress and financial allocations to support these initiatives.

According to Punjab Portal announcement issued on 11 August 2024, Chief Minister Sharif detailed several initiatives undertaken by her government to enhance the welfare of minorities. These include celebrating religious festivals with minority communities, the enforcement of the Sikh Marriage Act, and the ongoing development of Hindu and Christian personal laws set to be introduced in the Assembly soon.

Additionally, the Punjab government has allocated an unprecedented budget for minority community development, including a substantial development budget for the Minority Affairs department and a Minorities Development Fund. Special employment and educational quotas have also been established to ensure that minorities receive equal opportunities in government roles.

Chief Minister Sharif’s engagements with minority communities, such as her participation in Vaisakhi and Easter celebrations, underscore her hands-on approach to promoting inclusivity. Her administration’s actions reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their religious background, can contribute to and benefit from the province’s progress.