Self-employment: ‘Micro-financing to help reduce unemployment’

Minister says poverty eradication is govt’s priority

LAHORE: Senior Punjab minister Abdul Aleem Khan has said financial stability through microfinance was a laudable step.

He said the provision of opportunities for self-employment was a big national service in which all non-governmental organisations and philanthropists should participate actively.

He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony organised by Akhuwat Foundation to distribute cheques at Darbar Mian Mir on Tuesday. “No government alone can meet employment challenges. The efforts of social organisations have great importance in this regard.



Poverty eradication is the priority of the government and the provision of maximum jobs has been made the main agenda in the 100-day plan,” he said. He said small business and cottage industries could contribute to the national exchequer and as such, volunteer and collective services for “have-nots” should be patronised.

The senior minister appreciated the distribution of small loans by Akhuwat Foundation and offered his cooperation in this noble cause.

Aleem Khan said distribution of over Rs440 million among 1,500 beneficiaries would bring them economic stability and many families would be able to earn their livelihood with honor.

On this occasion, Akhuwat Foundation founder Dr Amjid Saqib in his address gave a brief history of his organisation and said interest-free loans were being provided to the citizens for the past 18 years.

“This is the credibility of the programme that the recovery rate is 99.99% and every person tried to perform best cooperation with Akhuwat Foundation,” he said.