Maryam Nawaz's MACP to Advise Punjab Govt. on Minority Issues - Faith & Freedom News

Lahore, Pakistan – In today’s Pakistan, where true progress is measured by how a society uplifts all its citizens, particularly its religious minorities Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif stands as a transformative leader whose governance philosophy centers on creating an inclusive province where every individual can thrive regardless of background. Her administration has introduced groundbreaking initiatives that are reshaping Punjab’s social landscape through a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment of marginalized communities.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made history by becoming the first Punjab Chief Minister in 131 years to visit Maryamabad Church during Easter celebrations. This unprecedented outreach wasn’t merely symbolic—it came with substantive support through grant distributions to 10,000 Christians, a first in Punjab’s provincial history.

During her visit, the Chief Minister engaged warmly with the Christian community, sharing personal reflections on her vision for a harmonious Pakistan. She connected with Christian women, showing genuine interest in their Easter preparations and traditions. Drawing from her own experiences as a former student at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, CM Nawaz emphasized the importance of seeing beyond religious labels to embrace a shared Pakistani identity.

Perhaps the most visible demonstration of CM Nawaz’s commitment to diversity is the historic appointment of Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as provincial minister—the first Sikh to hold such a position in Punjab’s government. This landmark decision reflects her administration’s dedication to ensuring representation at the highest levels of governance.

Chief Minister Nawaz’s approach to inclusion extends beyond symbolic gestures to systematic policy reform. Her administration has developed frameworks that address structural inequalities through targeted welfare programs, affirmative action policies, and community development initiatives. These efforts aim to dismantle barriers that have historically prevented marginalized groups from accessing opportunities.

Under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, Punjab is witnessing a fundamental shift in how government approaches diversity and inclusion. By championing religious harmony, elevating minority representation in governance, and implementing supportive policies, she is creating the foundation for a more equitable society where diversity is celebrated rather than merely tolerated.

The Chief Minister’s initiatives recognize that true provincial progress cannot be achieved without bringing all communities into the fold of development and opportunity. Through her pioneering leadership, Punjab is moving toward becoming a model of inclusive governance where every citizen’s contribution is valued regardless of their religious or cultural background.

The Maryam Nawaz administration has taken concrete steps to institutionalize minority rights protection through the establishment of the Minority Advisory Council, Punjab (MACP). Announced by the Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department on March 27, 2025, this council features diverse representation from various religious communities, creating a formal channel for minority concerns to reach government decision-makers.

The Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department of the Government of the Punjab has announced the formation of the Minority Advisory Council, Punjab (MACP) to address the needs and concerns of minority communities in the province.

The notification, issued on March 27, 2025, details the council’s composition, showcasing a diverse representation from various religious communities.

The MACP will be led by the Minister for Minorities Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora as Chairman, Kamran Masih-Bhatti as Vice Chairman, and Aqab Alam as Convener.

The council’s members include:

Suhail Alam
Javed Shahid
Karamat Masih
Nadeem Masih
Ashiq Masih
Aneel Pervaiz
Suhail Anwar
Shakeel Chaman
Saleem Shakir
Waseem Raja
Mushtaq Yaqub Sindhu
Shahzad Arif
Mushtaq Gill
Shahid Rehmat
Dr. Shahid Shoukat
Indrias Masih
Waseem Masih
Dr. Azeem
Adnan Shahzad
Ms. Sumbal Muneer
Ms. Priyanka
Dr. Surakhsa Shakir
Ms. Zobia Nazir
Ms. Sunain
Kanji Ram
Sajan Bhattia
Rattan Lal
Lala Akmal Bheel
Sardar Jaskaran Singh
Sardar Surjeet Singh
Babu Lila Ram
Sardar Palvinder Singh
Sadar Dilawar Singh
Mufti Syed Ashiq Hussain
Maulana Shakeel-ur-Rehman Nasir

The council’s core functions include advising the Punjab government on resolving issues faced by minority communities, promoting tolerance and inter-religious harmony, and ensuring the protection of their human rights and freedoms. The MACP will also work with the government to improve the living standards of minority communities, focusing on education, employment, and social and economic opportunities.

The notification also states that the positions within the MACP are honorary, with no emoluments for any member. The tenure of the council is set for three years, unless dissolved earlier by the government, and the Chief Minister of Punjab retains the authority to make changes to the council’s membership.

As these transformative policies continue to take root, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s legacy as a champion of diversity, inclusion, and empowerment grows increasingly significant in Pakistan’s evolving social landscape.