Islamabad, Jan 23: In a landmark move, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled the “Chief Minister Minority Card” at a significant event held at the Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex. This pioneering initiative marks a significant step towards financial inclusion and support for minority communities in Pakistan, starting with an immediate impact on 50,000 minority families.
Each of these families will now receive a quarterly stipend of Rs. 10,500, with plans to extend this benefit to 25,000 additional families in the future.
This program not only provides direct financial assistance but also significantly enhances the festival grants for minorities, raising them from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000. Moreover, the annual development budget allocated for minority communities has seen an impressive increase of 60%, underscoring a strong commitment to ensuring their growth and well-being.
Read More:
Visa and Meezan Bank Collaborate to Launch Student Debit Card
During the ceremony, CM Maryam Nawaz took a hands-on approach by distributing the first batch of minority cards and overseeing a live transaction, which was successfully conducted by Sonia Bibi at an ATM. This act highlighted the functional ease and immediate applicability of the initiative.
The event was further dignified by the presence of prominent religious leaders from various communities, including Bishop Nadeem Kamran, Sardar Saranjit Singh, and Pandit Lal, who collectively offered prayers for the success of the initiative. Their involvement emphasizes the inclusive spirit of the program, aiming to foster unity and support across different faiths.
Ramesh Singh Arora, the Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, expressed his heartfelt gratitude in Punjabi. He praised the Chief Minister for her visionary leadership and her dedication to significantly enhancing the quality of life for minority populations through these comprehensive measures.
This initiative not only aims at financial assistance but is also a gesture of goodwill, reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing and protecting the diversity within the community. It sets a precedent for other regions to follow, promoting social harmony and economic stability among minority groups.
