“Smog is not a political issue but a human problem”
By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced to write a letter to the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab to undertake joint efforts to eliminate smog.
She announced to issue special cards for the minority communities in the Diwali ceremony along with increasing the number of cards and the number of minority families from next year, establishing of Minority Virtual Police Station and development of areas of the minority communities. The Chief Minister became the host of Diwali celebrations being held at 90-SQA, lit the traditional lamp of Diwali and virtual fireworks were also displayed on the occasion. The venue was lit up and decorated with traditional Rangoli in connection with the Diwali celebrations. She sat among the Hindu women instead of her seat and took a young girl in her lap.
She distributed cheques worth Rs.15000 among 1400 Hindu families on Diwali. She while addressing the Diwali ceremony said, “If anyone commits atrocities on the minorities, then Maryam Nawaz Sharif will stand with the victim. The minorities should consider themselves completely safe in Pakistan. We are all Pakistanis without any discrimination and Diwali depicts a lamp of peace, harmony and love.”
She added, “Smog is not a political issue but a human problem. When we witness injustice and oppression being committed with the minorities then our heads bow down in shame and it gives us heartfelt distress and grief. She said that she felt immense happiness to lit the lamp of Diwali. Seeing Muslims, Hindus and others standing at the same time for the national anthem gives a pleasant feeling that we are all Pakistanis without any discrimination. The lamp of Diwali is the lamp of love and light. This lamp is a meant to connect and bring our hearts closer. In this event, I felt pleased to see someone wearing a turban, someone wearing a cross while some others wearing a ghagra and bangles. I have been hearing from Muhammad Nawaz Sharif since childhood that we should not use the word minority as they are our pride.”
She said, “In the maiden speech I stated that the minorities are a symbol of our pride. Be it Baisakhi or Guru Janam Din, Holi or Diwali, Christmas or Easter, we will celebrate with you together. I felt pleased to participate in the Easter event being held in Maryamabad. People over there told that no Chief Minister ever visited Maryamabad Church in its 127th years history. The minority community will never find me lagging behind in any matter regarding their welfare. There is no discrimination in any ones heart or mind about the minority community. The Minority communities will be equally treated and made part in development projects. As the Chief Executive of the province, wherever the minority faces problems, I myself deal with them. Where there is any apprehension of harm being done to the minorities, prompt action is being taken.”
She directed the police that immediate security should be provided wherever there is any threat of mob violence. No majority has any right to cause undue hardship of harm to any member of a minority. CM Punjab said, “There is not only respect for minorities in our religion rather their safety and freedom have also been instructed in Islam. The Holy Prophet (SAW) has promised to support a minority person on the Day of Judgment if someone oppresses or usurps his rights. What guideline or guarantee for the protection of minorities can be greater than the orders of the Holy Prophet (SAW)?”
She said, “Nawaz Sharif for the first time during his reign, started celebrating the festival of Diwali. Allah Almighty is the Lord of the Worlds, creatures and human beings. On behalf of Nawaz Sharif, I would also like to convey a Happy Diwali message to the Hindu community. I am offering a meagre gift of Rs. 15 thousand to 1400 Hindu families on the eve of Diwali. The Hindu community is also a part of the people of Punjab and is as dear to us as others. The Minority Card will be launched on December 20. After every 3 months, NADRA will give Rs. 10500 to the needy and poor families through Minority Card. We will also increase the assistance amount through and the number of minority families. Differently-abled of minority community will also be given Himat Card.”
She said, “For the betterment of minorities, practical steps need to be taken instead of giving traditional statements. She felt happy to sit on the ground and ate with the Sikh pilgrims in Kartarpur. When the Sikh pilgrim women embraced me then I felt heartfelt joy. A sense of familiarity was felt while meeting with the Sikh pilgrims. No distance felt at Kartarpur. PML-N has made Ramesh Singh Arora Minister for Minorities for the first time in the history of Pakistan. Sikhs from all across the globe sent congratulatory messages to Ramesh Singh Arora on becoming the provincial minister. We are actively working for the elimination of smog, there should be a matching response from the Indian site as well. The toxic winds of smog do not know the demarcation line of frontiers. Environmental damage is being caused to both sides of countries and unless both Punjabs do not take concrete measures to eradicate smog we cannot counter smog effectively.”
She added, “Police and administration are proactive to protect the rights of minorities. Police has been directed to set up a minority virtual police station. The fund for minorities has been doubled. I have directed to improve cemeteries, neighborhoods, localities and places of worship of minority communities. Minorities also have an equal place in my heart like the rest of the people of Punjab. Pink buttons have also been installed to get the minorities and elders out of difficulties. Fights and conflicts based on misunderstandings are not good, as patriotic Pakistanis, it is our responsibility to protect the weaker segments of society. We want to live united under the shadow of green flag with peace and harmony.”
She also conveyed traditional greeting to the Hindu community. diplomats of USA, UK and other countries especially participated in the Diwali celebrations. CM called the women diplomats dressed in traditional dresses on the stage. Hindu Pandit Kashi Ram performed Prathana and Diwali Rituals. Pandit Kashi Ram made a special prayer for the development and stability of Pakistan.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif jointly cut a cake with the Hindu women. Member National Assembly Khel Das paid tribute for celebrating Diwali at the official level for the first time and added that there is no hatred in Pakistan, love, progress and prosperity prevails everywhere.
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora also addressed the ceremony. Minority assembly members and Hindu community participated in large numbers in the ceremony. Provincial cabinet members, Chief Secretary and other senior officers also participated in the Diwali ceremony.
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