The “Chief Minister Minority Card” is to provide direct financial support to the minorities.
Minority Watch, Lahore— Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Pakistan’s first “Chief Minister Minority Card” in a historic event at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward the welfare of minority communities.
Addressing the gathering, CM Maryam announced that 50,000 minority families in Punjab would receive Rs. 10,500 every three months under this scheme, with the number of beneficiaries expected to rise to 75,000 in the near future. She also revealed an increase in festival grants for minority communities, raising the amount from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000, while the annual development budget for minorities has been boosted by 60%.
The ceremony drew representatives from various communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians, who welcomed the chief minister with enthusiastic chants of “Pakistan Zindabad.” Religious leaders such as Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Sardar Saranjit Singh, and Pandit Lal offered prayers for the success of the initiative.
During the event, CM Maryam personally distributed minority cards and monitored a transaction at an ATM using Sonia Bibi’s card. Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, delivered a speech in Punjabi, lauding the chief minister’s dedication to minority welfare.
In her address, the chief minister reiterated her government’s commitment to protecting minority rights and fostering equality. “We are determined to safeguard their lives, rights, and properties, and to act decisively against any threats they face,” she stated. She emphasized the integral role of minorities in Pakistan’s development and highlighted their patriotic contributions.
Rejecting the label “minority,” CM Maryam argued that it misrepresents these communities. “They are as Pakistani as anyone else, and their real identity lies in their unwavering patriotism and humanity,” she said. Referring to Pakistan’s flag, she underscored the significance of the white stripe, symbolizing the inclusion and unity of all communities.
The chief minister reflected on her visit to Maryamabad Church, where she learned that no provincial chief executive had visited the church in over a century. She reaffirmed her commitment to inclusion, announcing plans to complete a Christian cemetery within months and calling for enhanced decorations for minority religious festivals such as Holi and Easter.
Maryam also cited Islamic teachings emphasizing justice and equality for all. Quoting a Hadith, she remarked, “The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught us to protect the rights of all, regardless of faith. This serves as a guiding principle for us.”
She praised the appointment of Punjab’s first Sikh minister as a symbol of progress and expressed pride in the global recognition it received. The chief minister commended the efforts of the Minority Affairs Department and the Bank of Punjab in implementing the Minority Card initiative.
“This is not just financial aid but a symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and respect for all communities,” she concluded. The initiative, she said, reflects the values of her government and her father, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who emphasized treating every citizen with dignity and equality.