Taking action: Committee on interfaith harmony constituted

Minister briefs Canadian High Commission on minorities’ situation

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said the Punjab government is implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit to eradicate terrorism from the country.

He expressed these views while talking to Canadian High Commissioner Perry John Calderwood, in a meeting in Lahore.

The minister said that committees on interfaith harmony had been constituted to promote tolerance at grassroots level.

He said that the government, in collaboration with religious scholars of all schools of thought, had adopted comprehensive policies to promote religious harmony.

He informed the envoy that the Punjab government had established a provincial task force to implement and monitor human rights laws in the province.

He said that minorities living in Punjab were safe and their children were getting academic opportunities like scholarships and financial assistance at various levels.

Canadian High Commissioner appreciated the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war against terrorism.

He said both countries had good bilateral relations and Canada respected the stance of Pakistan towards terrorism.

The envoy stressed the need to promote interfaith harmony at district level by engaging all stakeholders.

The situation of human rights in Punjab and opportunities for employment for minorities were also discussed in the meeting.

Canadian High Commission Ms Jane Alkhoure and Javed William were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2016.