Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, emphasized that minorities in Pakistan are free and safe, citing the Christmas celebration at Punjab University (PU) as a shining example of religious harmony and freedom in the country. Speaking at a cake-cutting ceremony organized by the university’s Christian employees at Faisal Auditorium, the minister highlighted the country’s commitment to ensuring the rights of all its citizens, regardless of religion.

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The event was attended by Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, MPA Ghazali Salim Butt, MPA Khalid Khokhar, MPA Malik Shafiq Khokhar, MPA Chaudhry Waseem Anjam Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Ashar, Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, President Punjab University Employees Union Chaudhry Basharat Mehmood, Chairman Christian Union Chaudhry Mushtaq Masih, along with faculty members, Christian employees, and their families.

In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora said that misconceptions about minority rights in Pakistan persist globally but do not reflect the ground reality. “Minorities are never discriminated against in Pakistan,” he asserted, adding that events like the Christmas celebration promote unity, love, and peace. He conveyed a message from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, describing minorities as the “crowns” of the nation, enjoying full freedom to celebrate their religious festivals without fear.

Arora also announced initiatives for the welfare of low-income Christian families, including the issuance of minority cards to 50,000 families in Punjab. He acknowledged the equal contribution of minorities and the majority in Pakistan’s progress and prosperity.

Prof Dr Muhammad Ali lauded the contributions of the university’s Christian employees, describing them as integral members of the institution’s family. He praised the event organizers, particularly Chairman Christian Union Chaudhry Mushtaq Masih, and wished the Christian community a joyful Christmas.

Chaudhry Mushtaq Masih expressed gratitude to the university administration for its inclusive policies, highlighting that the university had supported Christian employees through bonuses, advance salaries, and Eidi for over two decades.

The ceremony concluded with the Christmas cake-cutting, led by Ramesh Singh Arora, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, and other dignitaries, reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to fostering unity and respect among all communities.

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