Key points
- 75,000 cards to be issued to support minorities
- Cardholders to receive Rs10,500 every three months
- 1,400 minority families to receive a festival gift of Rs150,000
ISLAMABAD: The Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz has launched cash cards for minorities, stressing the importance of undertaking measures to improve the lives of minorities in the south Asian country.
The chief minister inaugurated the country’s first “Chief Minister Minority Card” in a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex, on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz announced that the issuance of minority cards would be increased from 50,000 to 75,000, ensuring greater support for minority communities.
She said that the cardholders will receive Rs10,500 every three months. Additionally, festival grants for minorities have been raised from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000, and the annual development budget for minority communities has been increased by 60 per cent, APP reported.
“A symbol of pride”
The chief minister also revealed plans to complete a cemetery for the Christian community within a few months.
“It is our responsibility to safeguard their rights and ensure their prosperity. We will firmly oppose anyone who threatens their lives or property,” she said.
The chief minister reaffirmed her government’s resolve to protecting and improving the lives of minorities, emphasising that they have an equal role in the construction and development of Pakistan.
It is our responsibility to safeguard their rights and ensure their prosperity. We will firmly oppose anyone who threatens their lives or property.” – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz
She added that minorities are a symbol of pride and emphasised that their true identity lies in their patriotism and humanity.
