Punjab Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said on Monday that all minorities including Christians would be given equal status in all fields and in new Pakistan there would be no discrimination on any basis. He expressed these views while addressing a cake cutting ceremony at Mian Mir Colony held in connection with Christmas. Bishop Yaqoob Paul, former Members of Provincial Assembly Shoaib Siddiqui and Aajasam Sharif, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders Tahir Altaf and Pitras Sadiq were also present. Abdul Aleem Khan said that in the new local bodies system in Punjab, there would be reserved seats for minorities and they will be given active role in the coming days. He said that right from the creation of Pakistan, minorities have always been at the forefront and their efforts for national causes have always been commendable. The senior minister said that minorities, especially the Christian community sacrificed lives to safeguard national boundaries while they also remained at the top position in health, education and other important sectors. He also appreciated the contribution of Christians in the struggle of Prime Minister Imran Khan to bring change in the country and now in PTI’s regime, they would be given rewards for their efforts. Aleem Khan greeted Christians on the occasion and assured them of his all out cooperation. On this occasion, a one-minute silence was observed and special prayers were offered for the martyrs of Army Public School. The senior minister also inaugurated CPM School at Mian Mir Colony and assured that efforts would continue for upgradation of the area. He said that the past regime of Nawaz League did nothing for education, health and important sectors and only selective developmental projects were started for commission purposes. Aleem inspected different sections of the school and said that new generation has basic right of getting modern education. He assured his full cooperation to solve the other problems being faced by the residents and said that work would be completed on priority basis. People gave a warm welcome to Aleem and thanked him for taking personal interest to resolve their issues. Raja Shahzad of Labour Wing and Sarwar Sadiq also addressed and appreciated the efforts of Aleem for Mian Mir area. Published in Daily Times, December 18th 2018.