A minority refers to any group within a state or society that differs from the majority in terms of religion, belief, ethnicity, or language. The identity of a minority is not determined solely by numbers, but also by whether its members are allowed to freely practice their religious and cultural traditions. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees minorities the same rights as every citizen. Article 20 ensures religious freedom, Article 25 guarantees equality of rights, and Article 36 explicitly instructs the state to protect minorities. This framework ensures that every citizen, regardless of religion or sect, has the right to live with dignity and respect.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Punjab Government has taken practical measures to address the long-standing sense of deprivation among minorities. Both at the policy and public levels, initiatives have been introduced to send a clear message: minorities are an essential and equal part of Pakistan’s national mainstream.

For the first time in 2024, the Punjab Government officially celebrated minority religious festivals, including Baisakhi, Holi, Diwali, Christmas, and Easter.

One of the landmark steps was the official celebration of Minority Day for the first time last year. The Punjab Assembly dedicated a day to minorities, paying tribute to their heroes for their........

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