Dutch Ambassador Jeannette Seppen calls on Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that government is taking practical measures for the empowerment of women besides development of health, education, energy and information technology sectors.

He was talking to Ambassador of Netherlands in Pakistan Jeannette Seppen and First Secretary Political Department Nanna Stalze who met him, here today. Deputy Registrar Lahore High Court Johnson Barnard was also present on the occasion.

Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that there are deep-rooted friendly relations between Pakistan and Netherlands which are strengthening with the passage of time. He also informed the Dutch ambassador about the measures taken by the Punjab government for the elimination of child labour especially for welfare of brick kiln child workers. He said that Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department is effectively implementing human rights conventions. He also apprised the diplomats of the steps taken for promotion of interfaith harmony, allocation of five percent quota for minorities in government jobs, setting up of minority advisory council, progress on Hindu Marriage Bill, awarding of scholarships to students of minorities and other matters. Khalil Tahir Sandhu said that minorities have equal rights under the constitution of Pakistan and are playing an active role in all sectors of life.

The Ambassador of Netherlands appreciated the measures taken by Punjab government for elimination of child labour, development of education sector and welfare of women and minorities and assured further cooperation in energy, information technology and other sectors.