Maryam first-ever CM to visit Mariamabad church in its 131-year history

LAHORE: Maryam Nawaz became the first chief minister of Punjab to visit Mariamabad church in Sheikhupura district in 131-year history of the historic church.

Father of Mariamabad Church Tariq George recited the Bible. The CM and other guests stood up to pay their respects for the national anthem. While addressing the Easter ceremony, she said, “I dream of such a Pakistan where the minority and majority live peacefully and jointly. Where everyone can enjoy freedom to worship and get complete protection as well. Where no one can harm anyone on the basis of religion and faith. We would stop every hand which is aimed at doing any harm to the minorities.”

She participated in the Christian festivities and ordered disbursement of Easter grant across the province for the first time in the history of Punjab. Ten thousand Christian families were granted Rs5,000 each family across Punjab. Maryam also visited a residential locality of the Christian community in suburbs of Sheikhupura city and presented Easter grant cheques to the families.

She greeted the Christian community on Easter, and the Christian families accorded her a warm reception. She mingled with Christian women and shared with them their happy moments. They prayed for the CM and thanked her for paying a visit to them. She also cut the Easter cake along with the Christian community representatives.

The CM also greeted the Christian community on behalf of PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif. She recalled that she got education from the Convent of Jesus & Mary School for 11 years. She admitted that the institution played a pivotal role in her upbringing and grooming, after her parents.

The school headmistress expressed her rejoice over her student becoming the chief minister. She said when Ramesh Singh Arora became the first Sikh minister in Punjab, she received greeting messages from across the globe. She appreciated the services of Christian community rendered for progress of Pakistan. She also planted a sapling in the lawns of the church.

Meanwhile, in her greeting message, CM Maryam Nawaz said: “The festival of Easter is a day of sharing happiness. Easter teaches us values of compassion, forgiveness and love for all.”

The CM said, “Christians are a peace-loving and respectable community. Their role is commendable for development of Pakistan since its inception. Pakistan is homeland of all of us regardless of race, religion, caste and creed.”

Separately, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz took notice of an incident of alleged rape of a midwife by two persons in Mianwali Mother and Child Hospital and sought a report in from the IG Police. She said, “A comprehensive investigation into the incident should be conducted and the perpetrators should be dealt with an iron hand.”