Norwegian and Pakistani Church can create better working relationship : ArchBishop of Norway

Lahore : Provincial Minister for Minorities and Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said that Norwegian and Pakistani Church can create better working relationship for promoting peaceful coexistence in the region for a safe and prosperous future for our youth. Norway has extended full cooperation in calamities like earthquake and floods along with welfare oriented projects in Pakistan particularly telecommunication sector and provision of clean drinking water for the people of remote and hilly areas.

He stated this in a reception hosted by him in honor of ArchBishop of Norway Helga Haugland Byfuglien and her delegation, here today.

Minorities parliamentarians Shahzad Munshi, Tariq Masih Gill, Kanji Ram, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, renowned Muslim Scholars Molana Tahir Ashrafi, Allama Mushtaq Hussain Jafri, Shakil-ur-Rehman, Zubair Abid along with delegation members from Norway Arne Saeveraas, Ms. Berit, Bishop Irfan, Moderator Mannu, Father Cannon Christopher Edgor, Father Saleem Khokhar, Anthony Ejaz and Christian community participated in the reception.

Minister Minorities and Human Rights Khalil Tahir Sindhu said that Norway and Pakistan have great mutual economic and cultural ties and both the countries have supported each other for promotion of religious harmony, peace and solidarity. All the religious minorities in Pakistan are fully enjoying the legal rights and have been playing important role in the development and prosperity of the country.

ArchBishop of Norway Helga Haugland Byfuglien said that role of Norwegian church in building interfaith in Pakistan is significant in the present political and geographical scenario as Norway has played a pivotal role in maintaining peace in Sri Lanka and other countries of the world.

She said that Christianity is the major religion in Norway with its 80 percent population belonging to church, however more than 47000 Pakistanis are peacefully living and working in Norway promoting tolerance and mutual understanding. She stressed upon the need to promote mutual understanding through dialogue between people from different cultures and religions to ensure peace in the world.

Mr. Sandhu informed the participants about the important milestones undertaken by the ministry of Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Punjab including legislations and initiatives for the protection of human rights, including implementation on all the important conventions of international organizations related to human rights, establishment of Taskforce for HR in collaboration with local religious communities at provincial level to monitor and report any human rights violations. Implementation on five percent mandatory quota of jobs in government departments for minorities, scholarships for students of minorities ban on hate speeches, hate material, unauthorized use of loud speaker under National Action Plan, introduction of Human Rights as subject in colleges and universities as syllabus, legislation to eliminate violence against women and children, child and bonded labour, marriage registration facility for minorities, TORs are being notified for establishing Human Rights Directorates in all the districts for the redressal of the grievances of minorities.