The Distribution Ceremony of Minority Cards in Gujranwala
It was a wonderful initiative taken by the Punjab Government under the supervision of Chief Minister Mariam Nawaz Sharif. Through this card, more than 2100 families were facilitated with 10,500 Pakistani Rupees. Minority cardholders will receive 10,500 Rs. after every 3 months. The selection of the minority cardholders is purely merit-based. A campaign will be launched at the root level in the future so that more deserving people can apply online for their registration.
I would like to congratulate the tireless efforts of Deputy Commissioner Gujranwala Naveed Ahmad who worked hard to make it possible. Hundreds of applicants filled out online application forms for minority cards. Due to a lack of computer skills, the applicants provided false information about their localities and tehsils. The number could be increased if proper and accurate data was input by applicants. However, I would like to thank Ms. Iqra Mubeen Gondhal assistant Commissioner of Gujranwala City for their support, as I helped them several times when needed during online registration for minority cards. I mentioned their vital role to the worthy members of the Punjab Provincial Assembly before the ceremony.
I shared with the worthy MPAs that I would like to highlight the efforts of Saint Francis Xavier Parish and Pallottine Youth in Gujranwala. Several registration sessions were organized at ST. Francis Xavier Parish after Sunday Mass and free facilities were provided to the Christian people for online registration for minority cards. I also mentioned one of the youth members of Pallotti Youth who was present there and endorsed my statement.
Moreover, the volunteers of the Christian community helped in different areas of Gujranwala and Wazirabad to help deserving families fill out their online forms.
The minority card holders among Rishabh, Babar, and Perveen shared that they were thankful to Mariam Nawaz Sharif Chief Minister for initiating this step to help deserving minorities. They filled out online forms without paying any bribe. A large number of Christians are residing in different parts of Gujranwala. The District Government received more than 600 Minority cards. However, some deserving people were invited to distribute the cards. Members of the Punjab Provisional Assembly (MPAs) graced the ceremony and distributed minority cards according to their areas.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched Pakistan’s first-ever “Chief Minister Minority Card,” a landmark initiative to improve the welfare of minority communities in the province.
The chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to the protection and
empowerment of the minority community. “We must safeguard the rights of minorities and improve their lives,” she stated. “I will take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and welfare, and we will take firm action against those who threaten their lives and property.” She emphasized that minorities play an equal role in the development and progress of Pakistan and that their contributions are vital for the nation’s future. The CM further rejected the label of “minority” often assigned to these communities, saying, “The term ‘minority’ does not define their true identity. They are Pakistanis, just as we are—patriotic and devoted to our homeland.” She continued, “The Punjab government launched the Minority Card to help our sisters, brothers, elders, and children feel proud and valued as both Pakistanis and Punjabis.”
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