Lahore (Web Desk): In a significant development, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formally launched Pakistan's first ever Chief Minister' Minority Card Programme in Lahore on Wednesday, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting the minority communities of the province.
Addressing the ceremony, the Punjab CM said that this new programme, introduced as part of her government's efforts to uplift marginalized groups, will see financial support extended to families from minority backgrounds.
A total of 50,000 households will initially benefit from quarterly stipends amounting to Rs10,500, which is intended to provide essential relief.
The Punjab CM expressed her commitment to expanding the scope of the program, with plans to increase the number of recipients to 75,000 and raise the financial support in subsequent phases.
Maryam Nawaz said that the programme has already garnered immense interest, with more than 100,000 applications submitted, reflecting the high demand for such assistance.
“In a broader effort to ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, the Punjab government has significantly boosted its funding for the Ministry of Minority Affairs, doubling the budget to facilitate the growing needs of the program and other related services,” the Punjab CM said.