Punjab belongs equally to Pakhtuns and Punjabis: Minister Salman

Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that Punjab belongs to Pakhtuns as much as it does to Punjabis, emphasizing that the integrity of Pakistan remains the top priority

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Apr, 2026) Punjab Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that Punjab belongs to Pakhtuns as much as it does to Punjabis, emphasizing that the integrity of Pakistan remains the top priority.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of Awami National Party (ANP) scholars on Wednesday at the Home Department, as part of an ongoing series of consultations with religious scholars.

Welcoming the delegation, the minister said that, in line with the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab, effective measures are being taken to ensure peace across the province. He added that Pakistan has emerged as a global advocate of peace and that scholars from all schools of thought are demonstrating remarkable unity and tolerance.

Khawaja Salman Rafique noted that the Punjab government’s strategy has successfully maintained stability during critical situations.

He stressed that mutual understanding and unity are essential for sustaining peace.

On the occasion, ANP Punjab Secretary General Ameer Bahadur Khan Hoti appreciated the efforts of the Punjab government for promoting peace, unity, and harmony. He assured full cooperation and offered the party’s services in strengthening peace initiatives.

The meeting concluded with prayers for the prosperity of the country and the Muslim world.

The ANP delegation was included prominent scholars and party representatives from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Senior officials from the Home Department, including Special Secretary Home Faisal Farid, DG Auqaf Anisur Rehman, Additional Secretary Internal Security Maham Asif Malik, Additional Secretary Special Initiative Abdul Rauf, AIG Operations Punjab Zahid Nawaz Marwat, and other concerned officers, also attended the meeting.

Discussions focused on inter-Muslim unity and the overall law and order situation in the province.