By Our Correspondent
Lahore, 25 Dec 2025: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday extends Christmas greetings to the Christian community while addressing a ceremony at Cathedral Church, reaffirming her commitment to making Punjab a safe and inclusive province for minorities.
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Announcing key initiatives, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the number of Minority Cards is being increased from 75,000 to 100,000, and directs authorities to take immediate steps to resolve issues related to minority graveyards across the province. She stresses that a “minority-friendly Punjab” is not only her vision but a shared dream of every Pakistani.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the responsibility of protecting minorities rests particularly on the majority community, adding that as chief minister she ensures minorities receive an equal share in Punjab’s resources. She says minority festivals are now being celebrated freely and without fear, just like those of the Muslim majority, calling it a matter of pride for the province.
Referring to Christmas celebrations, Maryam Nawaz Sharif notes that cities are decorated, “Merry Christmas” banners are displayed, and a large Christmas tree and Santa Claus are installed at Liberty Chowk. She says she feels pleased that her father and mentor, PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, is repeatedly acknowledged for his role in promoting minority welfare.
Sharing personal reflections, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says her education at a convent school teaches her respect for other religions, a value reinforced by her faith and upbringing. She cites a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about standing as a witness for minorities against injustice, calling it the strongest possible guarantee of minority rights.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif praises the contributions of minorities in the judiciary, education, health sector, armed forces and other fields, noting that the names of prominent minority figures are written in golden letters in history. She says a civilised society is judged by its commitment to justice and protection of minorities.
She says minorities are included in all provincial projects, including the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing scheme, and expresses happiness that minority families are benefiting from it. Maryam Nawaz Sharif adds that programmes such as Dhee Rani, Rashan Card, Honhaar Scholarship and Kisan Card are implemented without discrimination on the basis of religion.
The chief minister also highlights an incident from Lodhran where a Christian student delivers a speech at a Honhaar Scholarship ceremony, saying it moves her deeply. Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the minority budget is increased by 600 per cent, adding that minorities have a rightful claim on the entire provincial budget.
Reiterating her stance, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says Punjab truly places minorities “on its crown,” declaring their dignity, protection and honour her personal responsibility. She warns that the state responds with full force to anyone who harms minorities or violates their rights, and vows to stand “like a wall of lead” if any member of the minority community faces injustice.
Expressing happiness over the festive atmosphere, Maryam Nawaz Sharif says the sound of church bells during Christmas symbolises the Punjab she is proud of. “Our joys and sorrows are shared. By holding hands, we will prove that we are all one,” she says, assuring that as long as she remains chief minister, no injustice against minorities will be tolerated in Punjab.
