Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sindhu Wednesday said that Christmas gives the message of peace, love, harmony and hope.
According to a handout, he was speaking at a Christmas dinner hosted by Punjab government in the honour of ambassadors of European Union and senior diplomats. Sindhu felicitated the participants of the function on Christmas and expressed his best wishes.
The minister informed the ambassadors and senior diplomats about the steps taken by the Punjab government for the protection of human rights, setting up of committees at district level for the promotion of religious harmony, allocation of five percent quota for minorities in government jobs, merit scholarships and financial assistance to minority students. He apprised the participants regarding legislation for marriage registration and curbing of violence against women, remission for minority prisoners in sentences, checking misuse of load-speakers and steps for controlling child labour, and discriminatory social attitudes.
He further said that government is fully aware of its responsibilities and steps are being taken in the light of UN convention for the protection of human rights.
The minister said that government has set up a special committee for GSP-Plus status and directed all concerned departments to send their performance report to the committee. He said that the government believes in working with international community and civil society, however, it condemns the shadow reports of NGOs promoting a negative image of the country.
He said that no leniency would be shown to the elements trying to undermine national stability.
Representing Ambassadors of European Union, Jean Francois said that Christmas give the message of peace, brotherhood and hope. He appreciated the steps taken by Punjab government for the welfare of minorities and protection of human rights as well as the holding of the function on Christmas.
