A Christmas celebration was held at Punjab University, organized by Christian employees. The event was attended by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Sonia Asher, and Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) Ghazali Saleem, Khalid Khokhar and Malik Shafique Khokhar.
Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora, while congratulating the Christian community on Christmas, stated that minorities are often misrepresented in the world, but the Christmas celebrations at Punjab University are a slap in the face to those with negative views. He described Christmas as a festival of love, brotherhood, peace, unity, and happiness, adding that participation from all communities promotes solidarity. He further remarked, “The message of the Chief Minister of Punjab is that minorities are our crown, and they have the complete freedom to celebrate their religious festivals.” He also mentioned that steps are being taken to soon issue minority cards to 50,000 low-income Christian families in Punjab.
The provincial minister praised the efforts made by Punjab University to provide excellent facilities to people of all colors, races, religions, provinces, and countries, and expressed hope that under Dr. Muhammad Ali’s leadership, the university will continue to prosper.
Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Sonia Asher stated that a portal has been established by the Minority Affairs Department to enable minorities to register themselves and receive minority cards. She expressed hope that a similar portal will soon be set up at Punjab University as well. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali, while sharing in the happiness of the Christian employees, said, “Christian employees at Punjab University are a part of our family, and we equally share in their joy.” He further highlighted the beauty of Pakistan, stating that events like these, where everyone comes together, add to the country’s beauty.
Chaudhry Mushtaq Masih, Chairman of the Christian Unity Peace Committee, thanked the Vice Chancellor for providing advance salaries, bonuses, and Eid gifts on the occasion of Christmas, and said, “For the past 20 years, we have been celebrating every festival freely at Punjab University without fear, for which we are grateful to the administration.” At the end of the ceremony, Ramesh Singh Arora, Dr. Muhammad Ali, and others cut the Christmas cake. The event was also attended by Chaudhry Wasim Anjum Sindhu, Chairman of the Christian Employees Committee Chaudhry Mushtaq Masih, Registrar Dr. Ahmed Islam, other faculty members, Christian employees, and their families.
