By Our Correpondent
GUJRANWALA : Punjab’s Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora visited Gujranwala and attended a conference on “Empowering Women Through Education” held at St. Denys English High School, Church Road, Gujranwala.
The event was attended by Member of National Assembly Mehmood Bashir Virk, Peace Committee member Reverend Dr. Majid Abel, AC City Iqra Mubeen, social activist Haji Muhammad Yousaf Khokhar, Professor Shehzad Lawrence, and other representatives from various walks of life.
Speaking at the conference, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said: “Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has clearly stated that minorities are the crown of her head, and it is the government’s foremost responsibility to ensure their protection. This reflects the vision of Nawaz Sharif. We are proud that the Punjab government has increased the budget for minority affairs by 250% and introduced landmark initiatives like the Minority Card to empower minority communities.”
He announced the launch of a digital e-learning program, describing it as a blessing for underprivileged students. He added that free coaching classes are being initiated for students from grades 8 to 12. The minister assured that capacity-building and skill development programs will be launched to empower minority youth and enable them to bring pride to Pakistan.
MNA Mehmood Bashir Virk, in his address, reiterated his strong support for minority rights, stating:
“Every citizen in Pakistan enjoys equal rights—be it a mosque, temple, or church, everyone has the freedom to worship. This was the vision of Quaid-e-Azam. We firmly believe in interfaith harmony and reject all forms of negative propaganda.”
Reverend Dr. Majid Abel declared: “We are proud of our identity as Pakistanis and deeply love this land. We will stand united to give a strong response to India’s terrorism and false narratives. Minorities are safe in Pakistan, and we send a message to the Army Chief: Stand firm, we are all with you.”
AC City Iqra Mubeen, Haji Muhammad Yousaf Khokhar, and Professor Shehzad Lawrence also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that education, unity, and mutual respect are the key drivers of national progress. At the conclusion of the conference, speakers and participants reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, progressive, and inclusive Pakistan, and praised the Punjab government’s initiatives for promoting minority rights, education, and the empowerment of women.
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