Minority Cards govt’s significant initiative: Shuja

LAHORE:Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said that ‘Minority Cards’ will enable underprivileged members of minority communities to access government grants throughout the year. This initiative by the Punjab government is a significant step towards systematic and sustainable financial support for minorities. He expressed these views while talking at a Christmas celebration on Friday.

The provincial minister extended warm greetings to the Christian community on this occasion. He announced a special Christmas grant from the Punjab government, emphasising the vital role of minorities in Pakistan’s progress and unity.

Mujtaba Shuja highlighted the Punjab government’s commitment to ensuring active representation of minorities in policymaking and governance. Pakistan belonged to all its citizens, regardless of faith. “The minorities are a source of pride for our nation. Islam teaches us to respect humanity, and as an Islamic Republic, it is our national duty to protect the rights of minorities.”

The minister lauded the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her groundbreaking initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the Christian community. He announced that this year’s Christmas grant for the Christian community had been doubled, with deserving individuals set to receive cheques of Rs10,000 instead of Rs5,000.

The finance minister acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Christian community, stating, “Minorities play a crucial role in the development and prosperity of the country. The Punjab government is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding their rights and enhancing their well-being.”

The event concluded with an outpouring of gratitude from the Christian community, who appreciated the Punjab government’s efforts to make their Christmas celebrations more joyful and meaningful.

Punjab contingent departs for Quaid Games

Punjab’s 374-member contingent on Friday has left for Islamabad to participate in the week-long Inter-Provincial Quaid-i-Azam Games under the leadership of Director Admin Dr M Kaleem and Director Sports Rana Nadeem Anjum.

The Punjab contingent will participate in 15 games – athletics, badminton, boxing, football, hockey, judo, karate, kabaddi, swimming, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling during the Quaid-i-Azam Games scheduled to be organised at the federal capital till December 19, 2024.

DG Youth Affairs and Sports Punjab Khizar Afzaal sent off the contingent with best wishes and prayers. He went to every bus of the touring convoy to elevate the spirits of Punjab athletes.

Talking on this occasion, Khizar said that Punjab is a two-time champion of the Inter-Provincial Quaid-i-Azam Games. “We are quite determined that Punjab contingent will retain its trophy in the mega event,” he maintained.

He said that best facilities were provided to all the male and female players in the training camp. “Such a quality facilities including food and accommodation have never been provided to the athletes in the past,” he claimed.

He further said that our expert coaches have trained the touring players on modern lines in the eight-day training camp. “The talented players, who impressed in the Quaid-i-Azam Games, will be beneficial for Punjab in the next grand event of National Games,” he added.

The members of touring contingent, on this occasion said that Sports Board Punjab has provided best facilities at the training camp. “We will try our best to return from Inter-Provincial Quaid-e-Azam Games as title winners,” they expressed their resolve.