Arora lauds minorities’ role in nation building

LAHORE:A seminar titled The Role of Minorities in Creation and Continuity of Pakistan was held at Alhamra Arts Council, Lahore, as part of the Jashn-e-Urdu celebrations, here on Sunday. Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora attended as the chief guest.

The seminar aimed to recognise and honour the vital contributions of religious minorities to Pakistan’s unity, development, and progress, both historically and in the present day. In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora described religious minorities as the vibrant colours that complete the bouquet of the nation’s identity and harmony.

He reaffirmed the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, emphasising that all citizens are equal regardless of faith. He praised the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, for transforming this vision into reality through inclusive and groundbreaking reforms.

Paying tribute to the sacrifices made by minorities during the Pakistan Movement, he also highlighted their ongoing contributions in education, political participation, social harmony, and national development.

The minister outlined several key initiatives being undertaken by the Punjab government for minority communities, including the construction, renovation, and expansion of religious sites, scholarships for deserving minority students, legislative reforms to protect minority rights, and cultural and training programmes to promote interfaith harmony.

On the occasion, Mufti Ashiq Hussain underscored the importance of interfaith unity, stating that Islam teaches respect for all communities and that Pakistan’s progress depends on embracing diversity with open hearts.

Christian community leader Macdonald Chandi applauded the provincial government’s outreach efforts, while Dr Majeed Able called for greater recognition of minorities’ roles in the Pakistan Movement. Bhagat Lal, representing the Hindu community, expressed appreciation for the protection of temples, culture, and rights under new provincial initiatives, calling it a welcome change.

Social reformer Prof Dr Kalyan Singh highlighted visible efforts toward equality in healthcare and education, and expressed hope for continued support. The seminar was warmly received by academic and literary circles, who collectively emphasised the need to revise national narratives to fairly reflect minorities contributions. Speakers called for greater inclusion of minority voices in education, policy-making, and national media. The event ended with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to promote mutual respect, cultural integration, and the vision of a prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.