German team meets minister

LAHORE
A delegation led by German Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Ina Lepel met Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sandhu on Friday. Matters of mutual interests were discussed in the meeting.
The delegation comprised Nicola Hoochhausen, Julian Pfafflin, Almut Knop, Javed William and Elaine Alam. The provincial minister apprised the German Ambassador of the measures taken by Punjab government for the welfare of minorities such as allocation of five percent quota in government jobs, six month’s remission in sentences on Christmas, 20 additional marks for learning religious book by heart, setting up of minority advisory councils and educational scholarships for students. Khalil Tahir Sandhu further informed the German delegation that committees had been constituted for including topics on human rights and importance of religious harmony and tolerance. He said that all religions taught peace, love and brotherhood. He said the Constitution of Pakistan granted equal rights to all citizens. Khalil Tahir Sandhu said the parliamentarians were also promoting awareness in the people of their respective areas about the protection of human rights.