CM Maryam promises inclusive Punjab

"We are establishing such a Punjab where no one should face any kind of fear, intimidation or threat," asserted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif While speaking as special guest at the Christmas ceremony at the House of Prayer Church.

"I am paying special attention to establishing a safe society for the Christian community. It is a matter of great rejoicing that such a Punjab is being established where we celebrate Eid, Christmas, Easter, Diwali and all other festivals. Guru Nanak's birth anniversary, Baisakhi and Holi are also celebrated in Punjab," she said.

The chief minister said a 'Minority Card' would be launched at the beginning of the coming year to provide financial assistance to the needy members of the minorities every three months for living a decent life. She added, "I studied for 11 years in the Convent of Jesus and Mary. I received education among nuns, sisters and fathers."

She said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif often said that the word minorities should not be used as their members were more patriotic. "This year, I went to Maryamabad, a suburb of Sheikhupura, to participate in the Easter celebration." She said the Christian community had acknowledged that after 120 years a chief minister has come to celebrate Easter in the Maryamabad Church.

The chief minister said her focus was on establishing a better Pakistan and Punjab for the minority communities. "The Christian community has made great contributions to the development and progress of Pakistan. I know that you are Pakistanis at heart and love Pakistan immensely. The budget for the Christian community has been increased by 200 per cent. If I can, I will increase the budget of the Christian community by 5,000%."

She added, "Increasing the budget for the Christian community is not a favour but rather their due right. We will provide as much financial assistance as we can to the minority community so that the poor minority brothers and sisters do not ask for alms in front of anyone. The state is like a mother. Your chief minister is like your mother and a mother does not discriminate between her children. There is no discrimination in the name of religion in my heart and mind. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and people of other religions are a symbol of pride for us."

She said, "All communities have an equal share in every project of the Punjab government. The safety and development of the people of Punjab is my foremost responsibility. I am your chief minister and I am working day and night for you. Minorities and majority are all equal. I have come to the Christmas festivity so that you feel that we are part and parcel of each other. Whosoever will cause harm to our minority brothers and sisters will cause discomfort to me. It is our first and foremost responsibility to protect the minority community."

She added, "I came to know that 10,000 people participated in the Christmas ceremony. I brought 10,000 Christmas cakes as it is a small gesture of Maryam Nawaz Sharif's love for the Christian community."

The chief minister also distributed cheques of Christmas grant on the occasion.