Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday announced an exemption for the Sikh community from the motorcycle helmet requirement, citing their religious obligation to wear turbans. She said the move was made out of respect for Sikh identity and to ease the practical challenges of wearing helmets over turbans.
Speaking at a Christmas celebration held at the Cathedral Church in Lahore, the chief minister extended warm greetings to the Christian community. She also announced an increase in minority cards from 75,000 to 100,000 and ordered immediate action to resolve land-related issues concerning minority graveyards across Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz stated that Punjab had placed minorities “at the forefront,” emphasizing that a government’s true success is judged by how secure and respected its minority communities feel. She warned that any attempt to harm minorities or deny them their rights would be met with firm action by the state.
She said it should be every Pakistani’s aspiration to make Punjab a welcoming province for minorities, adding that Muslims, as the majority, carried a greater responsibility in protecting minority rights.
Highlighting Christmas celebrations across the province, she noted that cities were decorated, festive greetings were displayed publicly, and Liberty Chowk featured a large Christmas tree and Santa Claus installation.
The chief minister praised minorities for their valuable contributions in sectors such as the judiciary, armed forces, healthcare, and education. She remarked that justice and minority protection were hallmarks of a civilized society and said her decisions were guided by fairness and humanity.
Quoting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), she said injustice toward minorities would not go unanswered. She added that welfare initiatives—including the Dhee Rani Programme, ration cards, scholarships, and the Kisan Card—were provided without discrimination.
Maryam Nawaz also revealed that the minority budget had been increased by 600 percent and reaffirmed that minorities had equal rights to Punjab’s resources. She concluded by pledging unwavering protection for minority communities, stating that any government failing in this duty did not deserve to remain in power.
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