Govt to assure protection of minorities rights: Augustine

LAHORE:  

Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affair Ijaz Alam Augustine has said Holi was the festival of colours and a sign of happiness.

He expressed these views while meeting with the representatives of the Hindus community at his camp office on Wednesday.  He said the government would protect the rights of the minorities. “Today, Hindus are celebrating Holi with religious enthusiasm across Pakistan. It was asassured by Quaid-i-Azam that all the minorities will be free to go their places of worship,” he said. “A minister used foul language against minorities and he had to resign.”

The minister said Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar announced a grant of Rs10 million for the Hindu community on the eve of Holi which was laudable and the government of Punjab has also announced a grant of Rs100 million for the rehabilitation of churches and temples in South Punjab. He also pointed out that in the recent visit to South Punjab, he distributed certificates of educational scholarships worth Rs8.5 million among the students from minority.