Minister, Pakistan envoy discuss minority welfare, education cooperation

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jul, 2026) Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora on Monday met Pakistan’s Consul General in Sydney, Qamar Zaman, and discussed minority welfare, interfaith harmony, educational collaboration and ways to strengthen Pakistan-Australia cooperation.

During the meeting, attended by Chaudhry Shoaib Haneef, Chaudhry Aslam Kahloo and Naseer Taseer, the minister highlighted the Punjab government’s inclusive initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the empowerment of minority communities, said a handout issued here.

He briefed the consul general on key programmes, including the Minority Card Programme, digital literacy and e-learning initiatives, support for CSS examination preparation, educational opportunities for out-of-school children, and the restoration and preservation of religious heritage sites.

The two sides agreed to explore enhanced cooperation in education, digital skills development and economic empowerment.

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They also discussed facilitating special scholarships and educational quotas for Pakistani minority students at Australian universities.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora invited the consul general to visit the Kartarpur Corridor to witness Pakistan’s commitment to interfaith harmony and religious inclusion.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said he was committed to projecting Punjab’s minority-friendly policies and development initiatives at the international level. He said stronger people-to-people contacts, cultural understanding and inclusive development were vital for further strengthening Pakistan-Australia relations.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation and exploring new opportunities in education, community development and interfaith engagement.