Maryam announces Minority Card, boosts budget for Christian community

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has vowed to establish a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Punjab.

Speaking as a special guest at the Christmas ceremony held at Lahore’s largest church, the House of Prayer, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, “We are building a Punjab where no one should face fear, intimidation or threats. I am focusing on creating a safe society for the Christian community. It brings me great joy that Punjab celebrates Eid, Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Guru Nanak’s Birth Anniversary, Baisakhi, Holi, and other festivals together. For the first time in Pakistan’s history, a ‘Minority Card’ will be introduced, providing financial assistance to underprivileged minority families every three months to help them live with dignity. This initiative will launch at the start of 2025.”

She extended her greetings to the Christian community, saying, “Merry Christmas to all of you. I thank the Christian community for including me in their celebrations. Though I usually avoid visiting at night, I came especially to join the festivities of the Christian community. I was overjoyed to participate in this colourful ceremony and deeply moved by the devotion of the prayers. May Allah Almighty hear all your prayers.”

Recalling her student days, she shared, “I studied for 11 years at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, where I was educated among nuns, sisters, and fathers. Being here brings back fond memories of Christmas celebrations at the convent, where the choir always stood in the front line. Seeing the girls and children at this event, financial assistance to underprivileged minority families every three months to help them live with dignity. This initiative will launch at the start of 2025.”

She extended her greetings to the Christian community, saying, “Merry Christmas to all of you. I thank the Christian community for including me in their celebrations. Though I usually avoid visiting at night, I came especially to join the festivities of the Christian community. I was overjoyed to participate in this colourful ceremony and deeply moved by the devotion of the prayers. May Allah Almighty hear all your prayers.”

Recalling her student days, she shared, “I studied for 11 years at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, where I was educated among nuns, sisters, and fathers. Being here brings back fond memories of Christmas celebrations at the convent, where the choir always stood in the front line. Seeing the girls and children at this event, all looking so beautiful, fills me with joy. Before I left home, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif sent a message wishing the Christian community a Merry Christmas. He often reminds us that the Quran begins with Alhamdulillah Rabb-ul-Aalameen, praising Allah as the Creator of all the worlds, not just the Lord of Muslims.”

She continued, “Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has taught me never to use the word ‘minority’ as minorities are often more patriotic than us. Earlier this year, I visited Maryamabad in Sheikhupura to celebrate Easter. The Christian community there welcomed me with warmth and love. It was the first time in 120 years that a chief minister joined the Easter celebrations at Maryamabad Church. My focus remains on creating a better Punjab and Pakistan for the minority communities.”

Highlighting the government’s efforts, she announced, “The budget for the Christian community has been increased by 200 percent, and if possible, I will raise it by 5,000 percent. This is not a favour but their rightful due. We aim to ensure that no minority brother or sister is forced to beg. The state is like a mother, and as your chief minister, I see myself as a mother to all communities, with no discrimination in my heart or mind. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, and people of all faiths are symbols of pride for us.”

She emphasised, “Every project of the Punjab government ensures equal participation of all communities. I am committed to the safety and development of all Punjabis. Anyone who harms our minority brothers and sisters will find me standing against them. Protecting minorities is our foremost responsibility.”

Reassuring the Christian community, she said, “The doors of my office, heart, and home are always open for you. I share in your joy and happiness during festivities and pray for your safety and prosperity. Today, I brought 10,000 Christmas cakes as a small token of my love for the Christian community.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz became the first Chief Minister of Punjab to visit Lahore’s House of Prayer to participate in a Christmas celebration.

During the ceremony, she distributed 10,000 cakes and handed out Christmas grants of Rs15,000 each to members of the Christian community. She also cut the Christmas cake and personally served it to Christian women in attendance.

The celebration featured a traditional Russian prayer song performed by a children’s choir.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz interacted warmly with the children, expressing affection for them.

Bishop Irfan Jamil led the prayers, and Pastor Salik Jan Barkat delivered the Christmas message. A Punjabi Christmas prayer song was also presented. Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora addressed the gathering, reaffirming the government’s commitment to minority rights.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to the security forces for successfully eliminating 13 terrorists in a South Waziristan operation. She remarked, “Our security forces are a symbol of national pride. By Allah’s grace, the sacred land of Pakistan will soon be free of terrorism and anarchy.”