ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched Pakistan’s first-ever cash cards for minorities during a ceremony at the Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex on Wednesday.
The initiative aims to provide financial support to minorities to ensure they are not marginalized in the country.
Through the card, the provincial government will provide Rs10,500 [$37.65] per family every quarter to Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and other minorities residing in Punjab.
Who will benefit from the Minority Card?
Maryam Nawaz had promised the ‘Minority Card’ in October last year during the Hindu festival of Diwali. The programme will initially support 50,000 minority families in the province. Through the card, each family will receive Rs10,500 every quarter. Maryam Nawaz said she would extend the initiative to 75,000 families in the coming years.
How does the minority card work?
ATM cards will be issued to the minorities. They can withdraw the amount through ATM cards.
CM Maryam Nawaz personally distributed cards to attendees during the event and demonstrated how they could use them.
Why is this initiative important?
In her address, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and prosperity of minorities.
“It is our responsibility to protect their rights and ensure their well-being. Minorities are symbols of pride and equal contributors to Pakistan’s progress,” she said.
Additional benefits
The government has raised festival grants for minorities from Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 and increased the annual development budget for minority communities by 60%. These measures ensure broader support for religious minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others.
Also Read: CM Maryam launches ‘Minorities Card’ to protect minority rights
“If the state is like a mother, then your Chief Minister is like your mother. There is no discrimination in my heart and mind; I am your Chief Minister, working tirelessly for you. Anyone who hurts you hurts me” Maryam Nawaz said in his speech.
According to the population census of 2023, minorities comprised four percent of the total population. The four percent comprises 5.2 million Hindus, 3.3 million Christians, 15,992 Sikhs and others.
