Govt to increase number of shelters

The government plans to not only enhance the scope of the shelters it has set up but also to increase their overall number to offer refuge to more homeless people. This was stated by Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairperson Dr Sania Nishtar on Friday as she visited the shelter home at the Fawara Chowk in Rawalpindi. With the shelter developed by the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the authority’s chairman Tariq Murtaza received her along with RDA’s Deputy Director Finance Junaid Bhatti and other officials.

The RDA officials briefed the BISP chairperson about the people who have benefited from the shelter. On the occasion, Dr Nishtar distributed warm blankets amongst inmates of the shelter. She inquired after the residents about their wellbeing and the facilities provided to them at the shelter. Dr Nishtar said that it was the state’s responsibility to provide food and shelter to the homeless. "This is why Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the Ehsaas Kifalat programme, which has benefited millions," she said. “We have tried to extend the scope of such shelter homes,” she shared, adding, “Therefore, more shelter homes are being set up in the country.”