Punjab launches Minority Advisory Council

LAHORE : The Punjab government, in a significant move towards safeguarding minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony, has launched the Minority Advisory Council Punjab (MACP) on Wednesday.

This groundbreaking initiative has been welcomed by religious minorities across the province. Youth Development Foundation (YDF) Director and a core member of MACP Shahid Rehmat, described the council as a milestone in ensuring equal opportunities and social cohesion.

Speaking to The News, Shahid Rehmat said the MACP will provide strategic guidance to the provincial government on issues concerning minority protection and inclusion. “Comprising influential faith leaders, policymakers, civil society representatives, and human rights advocates, the MACP is designed to address the pressing challenges faced by religious minorities in Punjab”. Shahid highlighted that the council will play a pivotal role in shaping government policies, recommending legislative reforms, and fostering interfaith dialogue to encourage peaceful coexistence.

Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora also expressed confidence in the council’s ability to effect meaningful change. “This initiative signals a new era of commitment towards the protection and empowerment of minority communities,” he stated.

Minority community members and MACP representatives have expressed their satisfaction over the inclusion of Shahid Rehmat, a dedicated advocate for religious inclusion and the Executive Director of YDF.

With extensive experience in peacebuilding and policy advocacy, Shahid has played a vital role in training youth leaders to champion interfaith dialogue. “I am honoured to be part of the Minority Advisory Council and contribute to policies that uphold minority rights and religious harmony. This is a collective effort, and together, we will strive for an inclusive and peaceful Punjab,” said Shahid Rehmat. Kamran Bhatti, a political figure from Faisalabad also expressed satisfaction over formation of MACP and said that the objective of MACP is advising the Punjab government on policies to protect minority rights. “Through this platform we will be able to strengthen the legal frameworks to combat discrimination and hate speech”.

Kamran Bhatti further said that the establishment of MACP underscored the Punjab government’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive society where all religious communities feel protected and valued. This initiative is expected to pave the way for lasting positive change in the province, he added.