Punjab government has set up more than 300 ‘Nigehban Dastarkhwans across the province.
The authorities stated they set up Dastarkhwans with the support of philanthropists and organisations and on the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
It said that thousands of people gather every day to break their fasting during iftar in Ramzan.
The chief minister expressed gratitude to donors and institutions for their cooperation. She paid tribute to their spirit of generosity, saying the initiative reflected the true essence of compassion and brotherhood.
Punjab government said large numbers of fasting citizens attended the dastarkhwans in Lahore and Gujranwala. Sialkot, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur. Similar arrangements also saw heavy participation in Chiniot, DG Khan, Gujrat, Jhang, Attock, Jhelum, Kasur and Khanewal.
In Kot Addu, Layyah, Mandi Bahauddin, Murree, Muzaffargarh, Okara and Narowal, senior officials also joined citizens at the communal iftar arrangements. Thousands of people were likewise served in Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Vehari, Toba Tek Singh, Sheikhupura, Bhalwal and Sargodha. The management provided a variety of food items at the dastarkhwans.
Mother Language Day:
Meanwhile, Punjab chief minister, in her message on International Mother Language Day, said that language is not only a mean of expression but also the primary marker of a nation’s identity. She said that the importance of mother tongues cannot be denied even in the digital age, as they represent the most valuable symbol of a nation’s culture, heritage and traditions.
The chief minister stated that education imparted in the mother tongue has a positive impact on children’s mental growth and learning abilities. She observed that mother languages hold an established status as a source of national identity. And precious civilisational and cultural heritage. She added that language is a social asset passed from one generation to another over time and plays a vital role in promoting awareness about cultural, historical and social traditions across the world.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasised that the protection of mother tongues is, in fact, a guarantee of cultural autonomy and intellectual freedom. She said the Punjab government has made the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture more active. It is now actively safeguarding and promoting mother languages.
The chief minister further said the government is committed to the development and promotion of mother tongues. Mother languages, she added, form an essential part of our identity. She noted that efforts are underway to connect the younger generation with their mother languages. It served purpose that they remain aware of their culture and history . She added that various measures are being taken to support the growth. Research and promotion of languages through the educational curriculum. And the government will continue to play its full role in protecting and promoting mother languages.
