Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has welcomed the continued arrival of fasting citizens at the “Negahban Dastarkhwan” under the “Maryam ke Mehmaan” initiative.
She said those who expand their tables for others deserve appreciation, adding that the spirit of Islamic brotherhood during Ramazan is a positive and encouraging sign.
More than 500 Negahban Dastarkhwans across the province remained crowded for the third consecutive day, where thousands of people broke their fast. With the support of philanthropists and institutions, arrangements for dignified and quality iftar were ensured.
Women and children also attended in large numbers, while administrative officials welcomed citizens on behalf of the chief minister at each site. Beverages and meal boxes were served at the dastarkhwans set up at central locations in cities.
The initiative witnessed steady participation in Chiniot, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Dera Ghazi Khan and Mandi Bahauddin, while it remained a major public attraction in Murree, Kasur, Narowal, Layyah, Kot Addu, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Chakwal, Attock, Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib.
Large gatherings and vibrant scenes were also reported from Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Multan, Lodhran, Khanewal, Sialkot, Rajanpur and other districts across the province.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on International Mother Language Day, said that language is not only a mean of expression but also the primary marker of a nation’s identity. She said that the importance of mother tongues cannot be denied even in the digital age, as they represent the most valuable symbol of a nation’s culture, heritage and traditions.
The chief minister stated that education imparted in the mother tongue has a positive impact on children’s mental growth and learning abilities. She observed that mother languages hold an established status as a source of national identity and precious civilisational and cultural heritage. She added that language is a social asset passed from one generation to another over time and plays a vital role in promoting awareness about cultural, historical and social traditions across the world.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that the protection of mother tongues is, in fact, a guarantee of cultural autonomy and intellectual freedom. She said the Punjab government has made the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture more active to safeguard and promote mother languages.
The chief minister further said the government is committed to the development and promotion of mother tongues, as they form an essential part of our identity. She noted that efforts are underway to connect the younger generation with their mother languages so they remain aware of their culture and history. She added that various measures are being taken to support the growth, research and promotion of languages through the educational curriculum, and the government will continue to play its full role in protecting and promoting mother languages.
Moreover, Maryam Nawaz strongly condemned the cowardly attack by “Fitna-al-Khawarij” on a security forces convoy in Bannu.
She paid tribute to the professional expertise and bravery of the security forces for foiling the major attack and eliminating five terrorists.
The chief minister also honoured the supreme sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel Shehzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah, who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. She expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences with the bereaved families and paid glowing tribute to their great sacrifice for the homeland.