Minister Promises Foolproof Security On Christmas, New Year

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Dec, 2016 ) : Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Khalil Tahir Sandhu has said the Punjab government will ensure security of churches and worship places throughout the province during midnight mass of 24th and 25th December on Christmas eve.

Special security arrangements will be made for the night between Dec 31, 2016 and January 1, 2017 (New Year night) to prevent any untoward incident. In a meeting here Tuesday, he said a directive in this regard has been issued to all Regional Police Officers, CPOs and DPOs in Punjab along with Capital City Police Officer Lahore by Chief Minister's Office.

The minister said the government has also released Christmas grant worth Rs 30 million which will be disbursed among the deserving Christian families (Rs 5,000 per family) throughout the province by respective District Coordination Officers according to the criteria devised in this regard.

The salaries of Christian employees have been paid from December 20th so as to enable them to participate in the celebrations of forthcoming Christmas. It has also been decided to set up "Christmas Bazaars" in different locations of the province from Dec 22 so that Christian community can purchase commodities at comparatively cheaper rates.

Sandhu directed the officials concerned to ensure foolproof security arrangements of the Christmas Bazaars along with provision of related facilities to consumers. The minister said that quality goods and commodities at these Christmas Bazaars would be provided at comparatively cheaper rates to the Christian community.