By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: On the occasion of National Minorities Day, Inspector General of Police Punjab Abdul Kareem extended his greetings to minority communities, including Hindus, Christians and Sikhs, and reaffirmed the Punjab Police’s commitment to protecting their rights, lives and property.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said the Punjab Police was committed to safeguarding the rights of minority communities and providing them with dedicated and effective services.

He said the contributions and sacrifices of minority communities to the creation, development and progress of Pakistan were highly valued and appreciated.

The IG Punjab also acknowledged the services of police officers and personnel belonging to minority communities, saying they were playing an important role in serving the department and the public.

He said Meesaq Centers had been established across Punjab to facilitate minority citizens, address their concerns promptly and provide police-related services under one platform.

According to the Punjab Police spokesperson, more than 90,500 minority citizens have benefited from Meesaq Centers across Punjab, including Lahore, so far this year, while the issues of more than 23,200 citizens have been resolved.

The spokesperson said more than 63,600 minority citizens had also received services related to Police Khidmat Markaz through Meesaq Centers.

In Lahore alone, more than 24,500 minority citizens have benefited from Meesaq Centers so far this year. The issues of more than 8,000 citizens have been resolved, while more than 12,000 minority citizens have received Police Khidmat Markaz-related services.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem said Meesaq Centers were playing an important role in resolving the concerns of minority citizens on a priority basis, providing them access to police services and promoting interfaith harmony.

He added that Christian officers and staff serving at Meesaq Centers were working on a priority basis to facilitate minority citizens and help them obtain police-related services.

The IG Punjab reiterated that the police department would continue taking practical measures to ensure equal protection, access to services and a safe environment for all communities across the province.