Lahore, November 13, 2024 — In a significant step towards improving the safety and security of minority worship places, the Punjab Home Department hosted a meeting under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The meeting was chaired by Minority Affairs Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and focused on addressing security gaps at churches and other religious sites for minorities.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Sonia Asher, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Punjab, along with several MPAs. High-ranking officers from government and security agencies, including the Secretary of Auqaf, Secretary of Human Rights and Minority Affairs, IGP Punjab, AIG Punjab Special Branch, AIG Punjab CTD Lahore, DIG Punjab Operations, Sector Commander ISI Lahore, Director General Rescue 1122, Sector Commander Military Intelligence Lahore, Joint Director Intelligence Bureau Lahore, and Director FIA Lahore, were also present. Heads of prominent churches and Dawood Sharif Sahotra, focal person for the Ministry of Minority Affairs, contributed to the discussions.

During the meeting, Sonia Asher emphasized the need for equal security measures for minority worship places, comparable to those provided to the majority community. She urged institutions to prioritize robust security protocols for churches and other religious sites. "Ensuring the safety of all places of worship is crucial for fostering interfaith harmony and promoting equal treatment of all communities," she stated.

The discussion led to actionable resolutions, including addressing existing flaws in the security of minority religious sites and implementing foolproof measures. Participants unanimously agreed on the importance of collaboration among all departments to achieve these goals. The government officials pledged full support in executing the measures efficiently and effectively.

Minister Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted the importance of this meeting as a groundbreaking initiative to ensure the protection of minority worship places in Punjab. He stated, "This effort reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to creating a secure and harmonious environment for all communities, fostering unity and mutual respect."

The meeting serves as a pivotal moment in strengthening interfaith harmony and ensuring the security of minority religious communities across Punjab. This collaborative effort is expected to set a precedent for future initiatives to promote equality and safety for all citizens.