Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the introduction of Pakistan’s first-ever Minority Card, which will provide financial assistance to underprivileged members of the minority community, ensuring their sustenance with financial support every three months.
While addressing a Christmas ceremony at Lahore’s largest church, House of Prayer, Maryam Nawaz said the Minority Card would be launched at the beginning of 2025. She promised to provide as much financial help as possible to the minority community, ensuring they do not have to depend on others for support.
Maryam Nawaz further said, “The state is like a mother, and as your Chief Minister, I am like a mother to you. A mother never discriminates between her children. There is no difference in my heart and mind based on religion. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and people of all other religions are the pride of my life.”
She emphasized that the protection and development of the people of Punjab was her responsibility and that she was working day and night for their welfare. “For me, both minorities and majorities are equal,” she added. “Every project by the Punjab government includes contributions from all communities.”
Maryam Nawaz said, “I have come to this Christmas ceremony to make you feel that you are part of me, and I am part of you. Anyone who causes harm to our minority brothers and sisters will hurt me. The protection of the minority community is our collective responsibility.” She added that her office, heart, and home doors were always open for the minority community.
She revealed that she was focusing special attention on establishing an inclusive society for the Christian community and had increased the budget for them by 200%. “If it were up to me, I would increase the budget by 5000%, because increasing the budget for the Christian community is not a favour, it is their right,” she explained.
Maryam Nawaz also shared that her father, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, had sent his Christmas greetings to the Christian community. She said that Nawaz Sharif often reminded her not to use the term ‘minority,’ as minorities are as much a part of Pakistan as anyone else.
Recalling her visit to Mariamabad during Easter, she said that the Christian community had warmly welcomed her with love and respect, even inviting her into their homes. She shared that the Chief Minister had visited the Mariamabad Church after 120 years to celebrate Easter.
Maryam Nawaz affirmed that her focus remained on creating a better Pakistan and Punjab for the minority community, ensuring that they live without fear or threats.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, she said, “I share in your happiness, and my prayer is for the prosperity and joy of the minority population.” Upon learning that the Christmas event had 10,000 attendees, she had brought 10,000 cakes as a small token of love and affection from Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Conveying a message of happiness and love to the Christian community across the globe on the eve of Christmas, Maryam Nawaz said that the province has become the centre of interfaith harmony in the country.
The chief minister said she equally shared the rejoicement of the community in Christmas festivities. “Christmas conveys a message of peace, love and service,” she said.
