Govt plans to launch 'Minority Card'

Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs says initiative will provide social and economic protection to minorities.

LAHORE:

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora has said that the government intends to introduce the 'Minority Card' following the models of the Himmat Card and Kissan Card.

The minister said through this initiative, social and economic protection will be provided to minorities.

While chairing a key meeting at the Human Rights Department's camp office, Arora emphasised that it is essential to gather input from all relevant departments before launching the "Minority Card" to thoroughly review every aspect of the program.

He further added that the purpose of this meeting is to design a comprehensive social protection program for minorities through consultation with stakeholders.

The Secretary of Human Rights, Rai Ali Bahadur, briefed the meeting that the program will be implemented in two phases.

In the first phase, data from the top ten districts of the province will be collected.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on improving the social and economic conditions of minorities, and various proposals were presented for the successful implementation of the programme.

Participants emphasised ensuring the inclusion of widows, the poor, disabled, and unemployed individuals in the program and suggested setting the PMT score at 40 to benefit as many people as possible.

The provincial minister expressed hope that this program will be a significant step towards improving economic opportunities for minorities and ensuring their welfare.

He requested all stakeholders to submit their suggestions to the Secretary of Human Rights so that they could be drafted into a comprehensive plan.

The meeting was attended by officials from the Punjab Information Technology Board, Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), the Director General of NADRA Punjab, the Senior Chief of the Planning and Development Department, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Programme, and other relevant officials.