Govt acting to protect minorities’ rights: CM Punjab

Buzdar says Naya Pakistan following the principles of tolerance, brotherhood and harmony

LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) government is acting to protect the rights of the Sikh community and other religious minorities, stated Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Sunday.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Sikh community led by Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ejaz Alam Augustine. The delegation comprised of MPA Mahindar Pall Singh, Pram Jeet Singh Sarna, Harmindear Singh Sarna and Roupa Kour.

The delegation thanked the chief minister for amicably settling the matter regarding the marriage of a Sikh girl in Nankana Sahib.

Speaking at the occasion, the chief minister stated that the Sikh community enjoys total freedom and liberty to perform their religious ceremonies. “Pakistan is a peaceful country and we believe in peace,” he said.

The Punjab government recently organised Sikh conventions which were attended by the Sikh community from around the world, he said. The Punjab government has laid the foundation stone for Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib which will be completed at a cost of Rs6 billion.

Further, Rs150 million have been allocated for repairs and maintenance work of roads in Nankana Sahib to provide the best possible travelling facilities to Sikh pilgrims. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to provide different facilities so that the local Sikh community as well as Sikhs coming from India could make it to their sacred places while respecting their religious traditions.

“Every Pakistani always takes care of the wellbeing and the protection of minority communities more than anything else,” he maintained.

He added that provision of facilities and security will be ensured for Sikh pilgrims attending the 550th birthday celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Devji. At least Rs1 billion have been allocated for the welfare of minorities and the minority empowerment package has been introduced as well, he said.

Naya Pakistan is following the golden principles of tolerance, brotherhood and harmony. The government of Pakistan has taken serious steps to open Kartarpur Corridor in order to facilitate the Sikh community, he concluded.

CM reviews development work

Meanwhile, at a meeting held at his office on Sunday, the CM reviewed progress on Mianwali Hospital, Nishtar-2 Hospital and the establishment of a cardiology institute in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Buzdar also directed to finish work on the upgradation of the emergency ward at Services Hospital and directed to complete all projects at hospitals at the earliest to cope with the growing number of patients.

Establishing a cardiology institute in Dera Ghazi Khan will also benefit patients from Balochistan, he said. Meanwhile, an auditorium as well as hostels for doctors and nurses will also be constructed at DG Khan Teaching Hospital.

Hurdles related to the construction of new hospitals should be removed as early as possible and quality construction, as well as transparency, should also be ensured. “The government wants to provide healthcare facilities to each and every patient in public sector hospitals. Therefore, it is imperative to upgrade the buildings of hospitals,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2019.