3,225 registered churches in Punjab, PA told

LAHORE : Punjab Minister for Minorities and Human Rights Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora had to face a tough situation on the floor of Punjab Assembly while he was unable to give satisfactory answers to the House concerning minorities and their security.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Khan while expressing serious dismay over the answers provided by the department headed by the minister for minorities adjourned the session for sometimes and directed him to come up with the complete answer about churches and security of minority community.

The Speaker asked the minister whether he had taken up the issue related to the security of minorities worship places with IG Punjab or additional secretary. Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan went on to say that worship places of minorities were being attacked. He added the tragic incidents that occurred in Jaranwala and Yuhanabad had shaken him, adding how could a mob be allowed to torch a citizen alive.

The speaker also asked the minister to reply that where had he been while such incidents were occurring.

The session was adjourned for 15 minutes.

After the proceedings were resumed, the House was told that he never gave answers when he himself felt unsatisfied with them.

He said the focus of the government was on protecting minorities whether they were Christians, Sikhs or Hindus. He added that he could never exempt himself from the issue related to the security of minorities.

He said he himself has learnt a lot from the incident of Jaranwala.

Responding to a question related to the number of registered churches in Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora told that there were total 3,225 registered churches in Punjab.

Ramesh told that home department, Punjab Police and local administration were responsible for their securities. He suggested setting up of a committee comprising IG Punjab, Home Secretary and Law Minister to redress the issues related to the minorities.

Emanuel Athar and Falbous Christopher, two PMLN minority MPAs voiced serious concern over the poor security measures for the worship places of Christian community on Easter and Christmas. Emanuel Athar asserted that by no means, he was satisfied from the security of churches in Punjab. He demanded permanent security for Maryamabad gatherings where Christian community gathers in big numbers. Emanuel also stated that at present there are four million Christian voters in Punjab and the data provided by the minister before House was not correct.

Falbous, a minority MPA, stated that Christian voter played a significant role in every constituency of Punjab.

During the PA session, Ahsan Raza Khan, the ruling party MPA made a shocking revelation concerning Gurduwara land in Kanganpur, Kasur, in which animals were tied by some elements. The minister assured the House that land of Gurdwaras in Punjab would be retrieved from the grabbers. He said he was also seeking answer from Evacuee Trust Property Board over this matter. Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar also ruled that Gurduwaras land be retrieved at all cost.

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FJMU sports event concludes

By Our correspondent

LAHORE : The concluding ceremony of Annual Sports Festival 2024 was held at Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore on Tuesday.

Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique attended the event as guest of honour. President College of Surgeons Sri Lanka Prof Dr S M M Niyas, former Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team Muhammad Yusuf, KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Mahmood Ayaz, Prof Abrar Ashraf and students also attended the ceremony. Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal said sports activities are very important for the mental development of students. The minister said sports are more important than competition for our health and well-being.