Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora has announced that the Punjab government will introduce legislative amendments and policy reforms aimed at protecting religious minority girls from forced conversions, abductions, and forced marriages. The announcement was made during a policy dialogue on minority rights and inclusion.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the policy dialogue titled “Together for Tolerance: Strengthening Minority Rights & Inclusion” was organized by the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights, the Centre for Social Justice, and the European Union at Faletti’s Hotel. During the event, Arora reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring equal citizenship rights for minorities. He cited Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s statement that religious minorities are viewed as “a crown on their heads” by the provincial leadership.

Arora disclosed that the budget for minority affairs has been increased to Rs. 14 billion, indicating a renewed focus on minority welfare. He noted that the current administration is prioritizing reforms in minority affairs, including work on amending the Christian Marriage Act. Arora emphasized the need for broader societal changes along with institutional and legal reforms to effectively address these issues.

The dialogue was attended by several key stakeholders, including Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rasheed Lodhi, minority MPA Shakila Arthur, PCHR Executive Director Shafique Chaudhry, former Federal Minister Kamran Michael, and CSJ Executive Director Peter Jacob.