ANTI-poverty programme Ehsaas has emerged as a flagship and successful project of the PTI government and credit for this goes to Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar whose hard work and commitment to the cause should also serve as a role model for other cabinet members.
Given the expansion seen by this social safety programme, ever since its launch, not only cash grants are being provided to underprivileged segments of the society but some of the programmes such as Ehsaas Aamdan and scholarship for students of deserving families are aimed at lifting people out of poverty.
Then Ehsaas Langar and ‘Koi Bhooka Na Soi’ are serving poorest of the poor such as labourers and workers who often do not get any work.
These food-providing initiatives became more relevant when seen in the context of Covid-19.
In fact this is not the end as Special Assistant keeps on announcing new schemes for poor whenever she interacts with media. This also shows her deep understanding and concerns for underprivileged Pakistanis.
What makes her successful is her empathy for dignity of millions of Pakistanis belonging to low-income or no-income stratum of society.
The use of latest technology and data has really helped ensure transparency in the programme so much so that even government opponents cannot raise any finger on it.
Even international organisations have appreciated the excellent work done so far under Ehsaas.
The CEO of Delivery Associates Michael Barber is on record saying that Ehsaas by focusing on accountability and impact has laid the foundations for becoming a globally leading exemplar on how to tackle poverty.
We are confident that Sania Nishtar and her team will continue to show same commitment and stay focused on the goal of graduating people out of poverty.
It is also for media to recognise the good work wherever it is being done in order to inculcate the spirit of hope and confidence amongst the people. We should not be purveyors of doom and gloom.
