Punjab Govt approves Sikh Marriage Act

LAHORE: Provincial Information Minister Azma Bukhari announced the approval of the Sikh Marriage Act by the Punjab government during a press conference with Minister of Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora at the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) Lahore.

The new legislation, effective immediately, marks a significant step towards recognizing and facilitating Sikh marriages in Punjab.

Bukhari added that Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz has prioritised the rights of religious minorities, underscoring the government’s commitment to providing essential facilities and support to all communities. She highlighted recent initiatives including the reduction in flour prices and the approval of a Rs400 billion Kisan Card, aimed at easing economic burdens.

The announcement also included the approval of the “Apna Ghar Apna Chhat” project, set to be inaugurated on August 14 with plans to construct 100,000 houses across Punjab. Additionally, the provision of electric bikes to eligible female applicants and enhancements in overseas facilities were outlined as part of the government’s ongoing initiatives.

Minister of Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for championing minority rights since the inception of her tenure. He highlighted the recent Easter grant to 10,000 families and efforts to engage with Sikh and Hindu communities through legislative reforms.

Read more: All eyes on K2 as all-women teams embark on 70th jubilee ascent

Reflecting on the significance of the Sikh Marriage Act, Arora emphasised its alignment with Pakistan’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity. He underscored ongoing efforts to draft similar legislation for Hindu marriages and outlined a roadmap for future initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership. INP