SAHIWAL (January 1, 2026) – In a significant move to promote inclusive democracy, the District Election Commission of Sahiwal organized a special awareness seminar at the United Church, Mohalla Farid Ganj. The event aimed to educate the Christian community on their constitutional right to vote and the vital role of the Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) in the electoral process.
The ceremony was conducted under the direction of District Election Commissioner Muhammad Atir Chaudhry and led by Assistant Election Commissioner Rao Muhammad Shahid.
Vote as a National Responsibility
Addressing a large gathering of the Christian community, Assistant Election Commissioner Rao Muhammad Shahid emphasized that voting is more than just a right—it is a national obligation. “Your vote is the tool through which you decide the future of the nation,” he stated.
Key highlights from his address included:
The Necessity of CNIC: He stressed that obtaining a valid CNIC is a legal prerequisite for voter registration and participation in any democratic process.
Age Eligibility: Every citizen aged 18 or above was urged to verify their registration in the electoral rolls immediately.
Equal Representation: He reaffirmed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is committed to protecting the equal rights of the Christian community and ensuring their active participation in the democratic landscape.
Community Engagement and Recognition
The participants showed keen interest in the technical aspects of the electoral process, asking questions about registration and polling procedures. To encourage civic engagement, the Assistant Election Commissioner distributed participation certificates among the community members.
Representatives of the Christian community lauded the ECP’s outreach initiative, noting that such programs bridge the gap between state institutions and minority communities, fostering a sense of ownership and national unity.