Punjab government hosts a Christmas dinner in the honour of diplomates

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and Human Rights, Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that Christmas gives the message of peace, love, harmony and hope.

He was speaking at a Christmas dinner hosted by Punjab government in the honour of ambassadors of European Union and senior diplomats in Islamabad.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu felicitated the participants of the function on Christmas and expressed his best wishes. He also stressed the need for following the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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 also apprised the participants of 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, child abuse and discriminatory social attitudes.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu 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. He 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 will 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.