Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif attended Christmas celebrations at the Cathedral Church here on Wednesday, where she participated in a Christmas cake-cutting ceremony alongside Christian leaders and distributed cakes among Christian families.
The chief minister congratulated a student of Kinnaird College who presented the tune of the national anthem on the violin and appreciated her performance. She observed that the colourful Christmas ceremony was a shining example of interfaith harmony, as it was attended by leaders of all major religions as well as diplomats from the United States, Britain and other countries.
Little children dressed as Santa Claus remained the center of attention for the participants. The ceremony formally began with recitations from the Holy Quran and the Bible. Students of Kinnaird College presented a graceful traditional choir performance, while a special documentary highlighting Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s minority-friendly initiatives in Punjab was also screened.
Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Alexander John Malik appreciated the Chief Minister’s people-friendly policies and conferred upon her the title of “Daughter of Punjab.” Bishop of Lahore Nadeem Kamran also thanked the Chief Minister and other participants for their presence.
Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora welcomed the guests and addressed the gathering.
Later, the chief minister distributed Minority Cards to Farzana, Shamaila Naseer, Daniyal Masih and Tariq Masih, and handed over Christmas grant cheques to Younus, Sajawal Yousuf, Jamshed Gaye Anthony and Kanwal. In a touching gesture, she personally escorted an elderly woman, Shahnaz Bibi, to the stage by holding her hand.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the provincial government regards minorities as its crown, and she considers their dignity, protection, and honour to be her personal responsibility.
Addressing a Christmas ceremony at Cathedral Church here on Thursday, she extended greetings to the Christian community and expressed her resolve to a safe and inclusive province. She announced that the number of Minority Cards would be increased from 75,000 to 100,000 and directed the authorities concerned to resolve issues related to minority graveyards across the province. She stated that a “minority-friendly Punjab” is not only her vision but a shared dream of every Pakistani.
CM Maryam Nawaz said protecting minorities is a responsibility particularly resting on the majority community and assured that minorities receive an equal share in provincial resources. She highlighted that minority festivals are now celebrated freely and without fear, on par with Muslim holidays, calling it a matter of pride for the province.
Referring to Christmas celebrations, she noted cities are decorated, “Merry Christmas” banners are displayed, and a large Christmas tree and Santa Claus are installed at Liberty Chowk. She also acknowledged the contributions of her father and PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in promoting minority welfare.
Sharing personal reflections, the chief minister said her education at a convent school instilled respect for other religions, a value reinforced by her faith and upbringing. Citing a saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) about standing as a witness for minorities against injustice, she described it as the strongest guarantee of minority rights.
She praised minorities’ contributions in the judiciary, education, health, armed forces, and other fields and highlighted their inclusion in provincial projects such as “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” and programmes like Dhee Rani, Rashan Card, Honhaar Scholarship, and Kisan Card. She added that the minority budget has been increased by 600 per cent, stressing their rightful claim on the provincial budget.
Maryam Nawaz said that the state will respond firmly to anyone harming minorities and vowed to stand “like a wall of lead” against injustice, assuring that no minority will face discrimination under her leadership.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special messages on the birth anniversaries of Pakistan’s founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, paying tribute to their visionary leadership and enduring contributions to the nation.