By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Health and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique, visited Nolakha Presbyterian Church where he inaugurated a one-day Family Gala organized to celebrate the New Year. Prior to the inauguration, Reverend Dr. Majid Abel offered special prayers at the church for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
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The Provincial Minister visited various stalls set up at the gala, met with participants, and cut the New Year cake along with members of the Christian community. A large number of families, including women and children, attended the event and actively took part in the celebrations.
While addressing the gathering, Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that all religious minorities in Pakistan enjoy equal and fundamental rights. He said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Government of Punjab stands shoulder to shoulder with the Christian community and all minorities in their moments of joy. He added that due to the tireless efforts of all relevant departments, the Christmas celebrations were conducted peacefully across the province. He further remarked that Pakistan belongs to everyone, where joys and sorrows are shared alike, and expressed his happiness at seeing families enjoying themselves at the event. The Provincial Minister emphasized that the Government of Punjab is taking practical steps to promote interfaith harmony, unity, and brotherhood throughout the province.
On this occasion, Reverend Dr. Majid Abel, in his remarks, paid tribute to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Provincial Cabinet for ensuring peaceful Christmas celebrations in Punjab. He thanked Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique for visiting the Nolakha Presbyterian Church and stated that the Government of Punjab genuinely cares for and supports religious minorities. Prominent personalities including Tahir Chaudhry, Javed Khan, Emmanuel Parvez, and others were also present at the ceremony.
