By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: In connection with the upcoming Independence Day, the Punjab Government has officially launched its first-ever “Minority Week”, with the aim of highlighting the pivotal role of minorities in the development of Pakistan and promoting national unity. The Minority Week will be observed from August 7 to August 11, 2025, with a strong message of patriotism and interfaith harmony.
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The inaugural ceremony was held at the historic Cathedral Church of Resurrection in Lahore, where the atmosphere resounded with passionate slogans of “Long Live Pakistan Army”, and participants paid rich tributes to the armed forces of Pakistan for their role in national defense, stability, and the great victory of Operation Binyan Mersous.
The event was graced by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Secretary for Human Rights Fareed Ahmad Tarar, minority members of the Punjab Assembly, foreign diplomats, civil society members, and religious leaders from various communities.
Minister Ramesh Singh Arora and other distinguished guests planted a sapling at the church, reaffirming their commitment to a greener, more sustainable Pakistan. Bishop Nadeem Kamran offered special prayers for the country’s peace, prosperity, and unity.
The celebrations commenced with a vibrant interfaith caravan, which began at the Cathedral Church and made stops at Krishna Mandir, Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Badshahi Mosque, and finally reached Mausoleum of Allama Iqbal and Minar-e-Pakistan.
At Krishna Mandir, the Hindu community warmly welcomed the minister and the caravan.
At Gurdwara Dera Sahib, the Sikh community, led by the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, received the caravan, where another sapling was planted.
At Badshahi Mosque, the caravan was received by Imam & Khatib Molana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad, who offered special prayers for the nation’s prosperity.
Provincial Minister for Information, Azma Zahid Bukhari, joined the caravan and recited Fateha at Mausoleum of Iqbal along with other participants.
The final destination of the caravan was Minar-e-Pakistan, where provincial ministers, MPAs, and community leaders jointly planted saplings, sending a strong message of unity, environmental responsibility, and interfaith coexistence.
Notable attendees included Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Sonia Asher, MPAs Baba Fabulous, Shaqeela Arthur, Emmanuel Athar, Tariq Gill, and other members of the PSGPC while a large number of youth from minority communities also participated enthusiastically in the events.
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