CM links growth to following Quaid’s vision

LAHORE:The Punjab government celebrated the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in an unprecedented manner on Monday.

The commemorative event took place for the first time at the Chief Minister's Office, where Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and members of the cabinet participated in a cake-cutting ceremony, extending heartfelt wishes to the nation on the revered occasion of the Father of the Nation's birth anniversary. 

The CM and the cabinet members expressed deep reverence for Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, while Auqaf Minister Azfar Ali Nasir offered a prayer. The gathering included provincial ministers, advisers, chief secretary, IG police, ACS, SMBR, administrative secretaries and senior officials. Reflecting on the significance of the day, the chief minister highlighted that the freedom we enjoy today is a result of the visionary leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He emphasised that the debt owed to the Father of the Nation by future generations was immeasurable. Statesmen of Quaid-i-Azam's calibre emerged once in centuries, and his vision of hard work serves as an enduring guide for us. By embracing this vision, we can steer our nation towards its rightful destiny, he added. Acknowledging Jinnah's exemplary governance model within a brief span, the CM asserted that by adhering to the principles laid out by the Quaid-i-Azam we can transform Pakistan into a truly prosperous nation.

Attends Christmas ceremony

The chief minister, cabinet members and senior officials attended the prayer ceremony and cut a Christmas cake together with members of the Christian community at Sacred Heart Cathedral Church on Monday. Archbishop of Lahore Sebastian Francis Shaw presented flowers to CM and led the prayer.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister extended Christmas greetings to the Christian community, emphasising unity with them in the joyous celebrations, stating that the more the Jaranwala incident is condemned, the less it would be. He declared that the government would not sit idle till the last accused did not receive his due punishment.

Immediate relief was provided to the affected households in Jaranwala, and financial assistance was extended to the owners of the burnt houses, he maintained. In an effort to prevent such incidents in the future, Meesaq Centres have been established throughout Punjab.

He recalled the words of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah regarding the protection of the rights of minorities. Islam teaches equal treatment of minority communities, and Muslims, Christians, and other minorities are all equal in Pakistan, he added.

The chief minister further stated that Pakistan's flag is incomplete without minorities; white colour in the flag represents minorities, while the green represents Muslims. Acknowledging the services rendered by the Christian community in the field of education, he highlighted the achievements of Sacred Heart, Convent, and other educational institutions.

Meanwhile, the government was ensuring the implementation of minority quotas in employment, admissions, and other designated areas. Mohsin Naqvi concluded his address by extending Christmas greetings to the Christian community.

Orders completing PSCA projects by 31st

The chief minister has directed the completion of the civil works of Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) projects in Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad by December 31, keeping in view their prime importance for public safety and urged that there should be no delay.

While chairing a meeting at the PSCA's head office, the CM directed that the civil works of central halls and data centres of these projects should be completed by December 31. He added that the commissioners and RPOs should conduct regular visits and daily progress reports be submitted to him as well. Around 600 cameras in Faisalabad, 700 CCTV cameras in Gujranwala and 750 cameras in Rawalpindi will be integrated with PSCA. He directed that the DIC-3 project should be started without delay in 17 small districts and the upgradation of 737 police stations should also be completed by January 31. IG police and PSCA MD briefed him about various aspects.

Condoles death of actor Nisar Qadri

Mohsin Naqvi condoled the death of a famous actor Nisar Qadri and prayed that may Allah Almighty rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved heirs to bear the loss with equanimity.

CM opens Misaq Centre in Kahna

The chief minister inaugurated the Misaq Centre, a dedicated facility for minorities in Kahna. This centre, staffed by police officers from the minority community, aims to provide not only police services but also address various issues faced by minorities.

Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the Misaq Centre's significance in fostering interfaith harmony, resolving religious and social issues, and serving as a Religious Dialogue Centre. The centre will also raise awareness about religious festivals.

In Lahore, services are being extended through Liberty Khidmat Markaz, Misaq Centre Kahna, and Mozang Centre. The CM inspected the service counters at the centre and received a briefing from IGP on the facilities provided to minorities. The chief secretary outlined the aims and objectives of the Misaq Centre.