Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday launched minority card programme and distributed minority cards among men and women.
Maryam Nawaz addressing the ceremony in Lahore said, she will stop those conspiring against minorities with all my might and she will not let the lives and property of minorities be put at risk.
Hindus, Sikhs and Christians along with men and women from other communities participated in the ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Iqbal Complex.
She announced to increase the number of minority cards from 50,000 to 75,000. She said that 50,000 families in Punjab will receive Rs. 10,500 after every three months and it will be increased in the next few years. The number of 50,000 families will be increased to 75,000 families as well.
She said, Rs. 10,500 is a meagre amount but a token of gift on behalf of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the Punjab government. The government strive to further decorate the places of worship of the minority community as they are very close to our hearts.
She added that the minority grant on the eve of festivals has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000. Neighbourhoods and religious places of the minority community are also being developed. A cemetery for the Christian community will be ready in a few months. The annual development budget for the minority community has been increased by 60 percent, she added.
“I will personally monitor the protection of minorities and the minorities are the crown of my head,” she remarked. She said that for the first time in the history of Pakistan and Punjab, a minority card has been launched.
The Chief Minister said she is not making a political statement but everyone should realize that minorities are also as much a part of the country as other Pakistanis.
The CM said that felicitation messages have been received from all over the world on the appointment of a first Sikh minister in the Punjab cabinet.
