Punjab, Australia explore coop on minority welfare

LAHORE - Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora held a meeting with Pakistan's Consul General in Sydney Qamar Zaman to discuss measures for promoting minority welfare, interfaith harmony, educational collaboration and strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Australia. The meeting, also attended by Chaudhry Shoaib Haneef, Chaudhry Aslam Kahloo and Naseer Taseer, focused on expanding cooperation in education, digital skills, community development and economic empowerment. During the meeting, Arora highlighted the Punjab government's initiatives for the welfare and empowerment of minority communities under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He briefed the Consul General on a range of programmes, including the Minority Card Programme, digital literacy and e-learning initiatives, support for minority students preparing for the CSS competitive examination, educational opportunities for out-of-school children and efforts to restore and preserve religious heritage sites across the province. The two sides agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation in education, digital skills development and economic empowerment. They also discussed the possibility of facilitating special scholarships and educational quotas for Pakistani minority students seeking admission to Australian universities. Inviting the Consul General to visit the historic Kartarpur Corridor, the minister said the project stood as a symbol of Pakistan's commitment to religious freedom, interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said he was committed to showcasing Punjab's inclusive governance model and minority-friendly policies at international forums.