Awan highlights poverty alleviation schemes

Says government encourages public-private partnership for the cause

LAHORE:

Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has taken several steps including Ehsaas programme and shelter homes to rehabilitate the impecunious strata of society.

“Public service is the gist of the democratic system,” she stated while talking to media at Akhuwat Headquarter Office on Thursday. She was joined by Akhuwat Foundation Executive Director Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib during the press briefing.

She said that the PTI is following the mission of Riyasat-e-Madina to develop a true welfare state and supporting genuine philanthropic bodies to promote public service in society.

Awan commended the role of Akhuwat in empowering women and providing employment opportunities to the youth to facilitate a poverty-free society.

Speaking on the occasion the SACM said Akhuwat in collaboration with the Punjab government has provided Rs86 billion loans to the needy.

“The government has decided to financially support the deserving students who want to study further in collaboration with Akhuwat,” she underscored.

The SACM said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has given Rs5 billion grant to Akhuwat for the construction of subsidised houses.

Awan said that Akhuwat has provided financial support to 86,000 deserving persons for the construction of houses triggering real change at the grass root level.

“I hope that the daunting challenge of unemployment will be overcome in collaboration with genuine philanthropic bodies like Akhuwat,” the special assistant stated.

She applauded that the development sector was working together with the government for composite development.

“51% of the beneficiaries are male while 49% are female out of those who got loans from 631 Akhuwat centres,” she added.

Responding to a question, the SACM said the bail of Shebaz Sharif does not mean that the case has been disposed of.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2021.