A Minority Card and Cheques Distribution Ceremony
A Minority Card and Cheques Distribution Ceremony was held on 11 March 2026 at the Arts Council Gujranwala to support deserving Christian families during the sacre season of Lent. The program was organized under Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s special initiative, aimed at providing financial relief and social protection to minority communities across the province.
The chief guest of the ceremony was Mr. Syed Naveed Haider Sherazi, Commissioner of Gujranwala Division. Mr. Naveed Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner of Gujranwala, Member of the Punjab Assembly, Mr. Haji Muhammad Nawaz Chohan, and Member of the Punjab Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Julius attended the ceremony. Along with them, Prof. Shahzad Lawrence, a member of the Divisional Peace/Interfaith Harmony Committee, not only facilitated the distribution of Minority Cards and financial assistance cheques but also participated in distributing minority cards and cheques among deserving Christian families. Moreover, Mr. Shahzad Lawrence performed his duties as stage secretary.
The program was started at 11:30 am with a reading from the Holy Bible, later on a prayer for the Punjab Government, District, and Divisional administration, peace, and harmony.
During the ceremony, the speakers appreciated the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, highlighting that the Minority Card program reflects the Government of Punjab’s commitment to inclusiveness, welfare, and equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion or background. The initiative focuses particularly on supporting vulnerable Christian families during Lent, enabling them to meet their basic needs with dignity.
The speakers further emphasized that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Government of Punjab has introduced several welfare programs aimed at improving the living conditions of minority communities, promoting harmony, and ensuring equal opportunities.
The Divisional and District Administration of Gujranwala played a vital role in successfully organizing and implementing the program. Under the supervision of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, the administration ensured transparent identification of deserving families, smooth arrangements for the ceremony, and proper distribution of Minority Cards and financial assistance.
At the end of the ceremony, the beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Punjab and the local administration for their support and care for minority communities during this important religious season. The initiative was widely appreciated as a positive step toward strengthening social welfare, interfaith harmony, and inclusive development in Punjab.
