ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said that protection of minorities and providing them with opportunities to excel in every field as per their talent and capabilities was priority of the government. He said the government was committed to promoting religious harmony in the country. He was talking to a delegation of Christian community, led by Parliamentary Secretary on Religious Affairs Khalil George, which called on him at the PM’s Office, according to a press release. Minister for Statistics Kamran Michael was also present during the meeting. The prime minister appreciated valuable contributions, rendered by the minority communities, especially the Christian community in all walks of life. He said the government would continue making every possible effort for addressing the issues faced by the minority communities. The delegation included among others bishop Irfan Jamil, bishop Ashraf Joseph, bishop Humphery Sarfraz, pastor Abraham Daniel, pastor Imran Fazal, sister Sosan Sardar and sister Martha Taj. The delegation felicitated the prime minister on behalf of the entire Christian community of the country on assuming the office of the prime minister of Pakistan. Thanking the prime minister for announcing state funeral for late Dr. Ruth Pfao, the delegation members said that the honour conferred upon her by the Government of Pakistan encouraged Christian community to further contribute towards social and humanitarian services across the country. The delegation apprised the prime minister of issues concerning the community in various parts of the country. Separately, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday said that the Pakistan Muslim League-N government at federal level firmly believed in the socio-economic uplift of people across the country, regardless of any political consideration. Talking to a delegation of MPAs from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, headed by Sardar Aurangzeb Nalotha which called on him at PM Office, the prime minister said the federal government had always supported democratic principles with an aim to bring about qualitative change in the lives of the people of the country. Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Advisor to Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Khan, Adviser Eng Amir Muqam and Minister for Narcotics Lt Gen (r) Salahuddin Tirmizi were also present during the meeting. The meeting discussed the overall situation of the province, developmental projects and issues, being faced by the people of the province. Talking about developmental projects, the prime minister said that federal government had been making every possible effort to assist the provincial governments and to undertake projects that cater to the needs of the people, especially in far-flung areas. The prime minister resolved that the developmental agenda of the PML-N would continue unabated. The participants also raised before the prime minister various issues concerning their constituencies. Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi assured the delegation that the federal government would provide every possible support towards addressing their issues. He also advised the elected members to reach out to people and play their role to redress their issues. Published in Daily Times, August 22nd 2017.