Hamza Shahbaz distributes financial assistance cheques among the affectees of Joseph Colony

Lahore: Central leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Hamza Shahbaz Sharif MNA has said that PML-N government has deep respect for Christian and other communities and by giving financial assistance to the affectees of Josaph Colony tragedy, we have given a message that the hearts of PML-N leadership beat with the minorities. He said that Christian community should also keep a watchful eye on such elements in their ranks as create misunderstanding to undermine the atmosphere of mutual love and harmony.

Hamza Shahbaz Sharif was addressing a function at Alhamra Hall, today, to give cheques of financial assistance to the affectees of Joseph Colony. Cheques worth Rs.7.75 crore were given to a total of 155 Christian affectees.

Chairman Evacuee Trust Property Board Siddique-ul-Farooq, Member National Assembly Pervaiz Malik, Federal Secretary Religious Affairs Sohail Aamir, Bishop of Lahore Winston Frances and the members of affected families were present.

Hamza Shahbaz Sharif in his address said that when the incident of Joseph Colony took place in 2013, the tenure of Shahbaz Sharif government was coming to an end due to elections but still he got constructed all affected houses in Joseph Colony as well as gave financial assistance to the affectees. He said that the remaining affectees are being given financial help today. He said that PML-N government has given honour and respect as well as equal status to all citizens of the society including minorities.

He said that during the preparation of the manifesto of the party, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif called all minority leaders and made the rights of minorities a part of the manifesto. Hamza Shahbaz said that Ulema of all schools of thought strongly condemned Joseph Colony incident in Badshahi mosque immediately after the tragedy. He further said it is unfortunate that whenever Pakistan achieved a milestone in national development and prosperity, its enemies start hatching conspiracies and accelerate activities against the country.

He said that such tragic incidents occurred recently in Karachi when matters regarding economic corridor with China are reaching final stage. He said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif decided that peace and law and order will be restored and terrorists will be brought to their logical end. He said that the project of economic corridor worth 46 billion dollars will transform Pakistan in accordance with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal.

Hamza Shahbaz Sharif said that there is strong bond of respect and brotherhood between PML-N government, Christian and other communities which will last forever. He said that all Pakistanis irrespective of their religious belief will make Pakistan a strong and prosperous country through collective efforts.