'Every community free to follow own traditions'

LAHORE:

Punjab Minority Affairs Minister Ramesh Singh Arora has said that Pakistan is a religiously diverse country where every community has the right to live according to its own faith and traditions.

The minister was attending a Christmas celebration on Sunday, where Bishop of Raiwind Dr Azad Marshal led a special prayer for the development and prosperity of the country. The event was also attended by United States Consul General Kristin Hawkins, Punjab Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Sonia Asher and other prominent figures from the Christian community.

The provincial minister said on the occasion, "Christmas is a celebration of love, peace and brotherhood, highlighting the importance of social harmony and the role of minority communities."

He added, "I assure you that the Punjab government will remain actively engaged in protecting the rights and welfare of minority communities."

Parliamentary Secretary Sonia Asher emphasised, "We must respect each other's religious beliefs and traditions to build a society based on love, peace and equality. The Punjab government is constantly working to protect minority rights, and we firmly believe that every citizen should have equal rights."

Dr Azad Marshal said Christmas teaches the importance of love and charity towards one another.