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Lahore: Addressing an audience at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, emphasized the importance of integrating minority communities into Pakistan’s economic sphere to achieve rapid economic stability. The event highlighted a joint commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and economic inclusiveness throughout Punjab’s business environment.
Sardar Arora underscored that minorities are crucial stakeholders in Pakistan’s development and should be actively involved in economic policymaking and enterprise growth. He advocated for targeted facilities and the removal of structural barriers that impede minority entrepreneurs.
The minister lauded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her minority-friendly policies, which he described as reflective of Jinnah’s vision of an inclusive Pakistan. He emphasized the constitutional rights of minorities and the collective duty to ensure these rights are realized in practice.
The minister also recognized the Sikh community’s steadfast support for Pakistan and praised the armed forces for upholding the rights of all citizens. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significant contributions of Christian and Sikh businesspersons to Pakistan’s development and the Chamber’s commitment to equal economic opportunities for all.
The event featured a presentation of a comprehensive roadmap by the LCCI Standing Committee on Human Rights for Minorities. The roadmap aims to promote interfaith harmony, human rights protection, and the economic empowerment of minorities. Participants acknowledged Sardar Arora’s efforts towards interfaith peacebuilding and policy advocacy for minority rights.
LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry called for collaboration between the business community and government to uplift historically marginalized groups. The session concluded with participants forming a human chain in solidarity with Pakistan’s Armed Forces.