LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 10th Aug, 2026) A heritage photo walk and a ceremony marking National Minority Day were held
here on Monday as part of National Minority Week activities being organised
across Punjab on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to promote
religious harmony, tolerance and national unity.
Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora attended
both events, which were organised by the Human Rights and Minorities Affairs
department.
Hundreds of students participated in the heritage photo walk, visiting some of
Lahore’s prominent places of worship, including Sacred Heart Cathedral, Church
of Pakistan, Naulakha Church, Krishna Temple and Gurdwara Dera Sahib.
The walk concluded at the Lahore Fort, where participants enjoyed a special
musical performance.
Addressing the participants, the minister said Lahore’s centuries-old religious
and cultural heritage reflected the city’s rich historical identity and stressed that
introducing young people to this shared heritage was essential for promoting
tolerance and interfaith harmony.
He said Pakistan’s religious and cultural heritage belonged to all citizens and
its preservation was a collective responsibility, adding that greater understanding
of different faiths could further strengthen mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
A separate ceremony marking National Minority Day was also held at the University
of Home Economics. Secretary Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Dr Usman Ali Khan,
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zaib-un-Nisa Hussain, faculty members, students, Bishop
Dr Majid Abiel and Hindu religious leader Pandit Amar Nath Randhawa attended the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said protection of minority rights remained
a constitutional obligation of the state and described the implementation of the Sikh
Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act as significant milestones in safeguarding the
rights of minority communities. He said the Kartarpur Corridor stood as a symbol
of interfaith harmony.
Referring to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic August 11, 1947 address,
he said the founder of Pakistan had envisioned equal rights and religious freedom
for all citizens, regardless of faith, and noted that the Constitution of Pakistan fully
guaranteed those rights.
The minister said the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
was actively promoting constructive opportunities and inclusive initiatives for minorities
and youth. Reaffirming the chief minister’s commitment, he said minorities were a
valued part of society and their protection remained a top priority of the provincial government.
He urged young people to uphold the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and contribute to Pakistan’s
progress while stating that National Minority Week activities were aimed at promoting
religious tolerance, brotherhood, interfaith harmony and national cohesion. He also
acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim
Munir in safeguarding the country’s peace and security.
