In a historic move, the Punjab Assembly’s Parliamentary Development Unit (PDU) celebrated Christmas for the first time in collaboration with the Youth Development Foundation (YDF).
A special Christmas corner was set up, and a magnificent Christmas tree was also installed. The tree was inaugurated today by Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, along with Provincial Ministers Zeeshan Rafique, Rana Muhammad Arshad, Secretary General Chaudhry Amir Habib, Bishop of Lahore Nadeem Kamran, MPA Sami Ullah Khan, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Sonia Ashir, Nokhaiz Khokhar, and others at the main gate of the Assembly.
Speaking on this historic occasion, Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar said, “This is not just a celebration, but an important moment in the history of the Punjab Assembly. By lighting this Christmas tree, we reaffirm our commitment to recognizing the contributions of all religious communities and promoting unity and goodwill in the province.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Sonia Ashir said, “For the first time in our history, the Punjab Assembly is celebrating Christmas on such a large scale. This is a clear message that religious minorities are recognized as important members of our society.”
Shahid Rehmat, Executive Director of the Youth Development Foundation, said, “This activity reminds us of the importance of Christmas values such as compassion, peace, and unity, which transcend religious boundaries and inspire us to work together for a harmonious and inclusive society.”
Bishop of Lahore Nadeem Kamran highlighted the broader impact of this initiative: “This historic celebration is a message of hope for religious minorities in Pakistan. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting equality, inclusion, and social harmony, ensuring that every community is respected and valued.” He also prayed for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
Human Rights District Committee Member Nokhaiz Khokhar said, “This exceptional event at the Punjab Assembly will have a lasting positive impact on the morale and sense of belonging of religious minorities in Pakistan, further strengthening the government’s commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.”
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