Misaq Centre launched to facilitate minorities

Police officers from minority communities to serve at facility

LAHORE:

A Misaq Centre dedicated for addressing various issues faced by religious minorities was inaugurated in Kahna on Monday.

This centre is staffed by police officers from the minority communities.

Inaugurating the facility, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted its significance for fostering interfaith harmony, resolving religious and social issues and serving as a dialogue centre. The centre would also raise awareness about religious festivals and offer services for the protection and wellbeing of minorities, he added.

He said services are being extended in Lahore through the Liberty Khidmat Markaz, Misaq Centre in Kahna and Mozang Centre.

He inspected the service counters at the Misaq Centre and received a briefing from Punjab Police Inspector General Dr Usman Anwar on the facilities provided to citizens from minorities.

Chief Secretary, Zahid Zaman Akhtar outlined the aims and objectives of the centre, emphasising its role in solving the problems faced by the minority communities.

Read ‘Meesaq Centres to promote inter-faith harmony’

The caretaker chief minister acknowledged the support in this regard from various leaders, including Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad and Archbishop Sebastian Francis.

Children presented a Christmas song and a cake-cutting ceremony was attended by Maulana Azad, Maulana Ramzan Sialvi, Archbishop Francis and other Christian leaders.

Addressing the ceremony, the caretaker CM highlighted the inspiration behind the centre, citing the Jaranwala incident and the realisation that disputes could be resolved through on-the-spot reconciliation.

He announced that 737 police stations across the province would be upgraded by the end of next month, adding that around 40 new police stations would be built.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2023.