Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the nation on Sunday in Islamabad. Photo: screenshot
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday extended Diwali wishes to the Hindu community and other religious minorities, calling the festival a “beautiful message of joy, peace and tolerance” and reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of minorities.
Addressing a special ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House attended by senior religious and diplomatic figures, members of minority communities and parliamentary representatives, the prime minister said the presence of Hindu, Christian and other minority leaders at the event reflected “the living reality of Pakistan’s pluralism”.
He reiterated that every citizen, regardless of faith, has the constitutional right to practice religious rituals without fear.
Referring to recent government measures, Shehbaz highlighted the progress made in institutional and policy measures aimed at strengthening the protection of minorities.
He noted Parliament’s approval and ongoing work to give the proposed National Commission for Minorities a firmer legal basis and said the government had put in place targeted support programs ranging from scholarships for minority students from primary to tertiary levels to minority representation in federal and provincial assemblies.
The Prime Minister praised minority communities for their contributions in areas ranging from public service to defense and development, saying their patriotism and civic work was a source of national pride.
He urged Muslims and non-Muslims to work “side by side” to resist hatred, intolerance and extremism and to preserve Pakistan as a land of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Shehbaz also highlighted steps taken under youth and social welfare programs to increase inclusion, and said the state would continue to ensure equal opportunities for minorities in education, health and public employment.
He stressed that religious holidays received official recognition and that holidays and workplace accommodations were provided to allow citizens to observe their faith.
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister once again wished the Hindu community a happy Diwali and called on political and religious leaders to deepen interfaith dialogue.
PM emphasizes energy reforms, SME growth
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed the Energy Division and relevant ministries to develop effective policy measures to boost domestic industrial production and ensure wider participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country’s industrial growth.
Chairing separate meetings on power sector reforms and SME development, the Prime Minister stressed that power generation should be used strategically to improve productivity in the agricultural and industrial sectors. He stressed that the optimal use of energy resources could help increase the production of goods and strengthen the national economy.
Shehbaz highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting both agriculture and industry, directing officials to develop policies that maximize the beneficial use of available energy resources. He said the government would take all necessary measures to assist investors and industrialists, enabling them to expand their operations and contribute to economic stability.
The Prime Minister was briefed on a reform project aimed at ensuring the full and efficient use of the country’s electricity generation. The meeting was attended by Energy Minister Awais Leghari, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Industries Advisor Haroon Akhtar and other senior officials.
In a separate session reviewing the restructuring of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the Prime Minister called for encouraging the registration of small and small businesses so that they can access loans and participate in formal industrial networks.
He said industrial growth in developed economies was driven by SMEs providing raw materials and support to large industries. He asked the authorities to train rural SMEs in the processing of agricultural products and appreciated the ministry’s progress in SME reforms.
Shehbaz noted that SMEDA’s new offices in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have been well received by the local business communities. He called for rapid implementation of the SMEDA roadmap to integrate SMEs into the formal economy and accelerate industrial expansion across the country.
The officials briefed the meeting on the establishment of a private sector-led SMEDA board, progress in financing and capacity building of SMEs, as well as the development of an AI-based women’s entrepreneurship platform to assist women in business registration, taxation and vocational training.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APPLICATION)
