LAHORE:

The Punjab government has announced a special grant programme to support non-Muslim citizens in celebrating their religious festivals, following the model of the Ramazan Nigheban programme.

With March and April featuring significant religious occasions for various communities, the initiative aims to provide financial assistance to deserving families.

While Muslims will celebrate Eid after Ramadan, the Hindu community will mark Holi on March 13 and 14, the Sikh community will observe Khalsa Janam Din and Vaisakhi on April 14, and Christians will commemorate Easter on April 20.

To facilitate these celebrations, the Punjab government has allocated special grants for Sikh, Hindu, and Christian families. Punjab’s Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Arora, stated that eligible families from these communities will receive financial aid of PKR 15,000, ensuring they can celebrate their religious occasions with dignity.

“The Punjab chief minister considers minorities an integral part of the province and remains committed to their well-being,” Arora said.

“This initiative will enable underprivileged minority families to celebrate their festivals with joy and respect.”