The Ministry of Minorities Affairs has planned to extend financial support to the needy members of Christian community so that they have cash in hand to celebrate Christmas with their hearts liking. Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti in an interview with APP said, "This time Christmas will be celebrated in the same old spirit which kindles love and hope".
To mark the festival in befitting manner, the needy members of the community would be given financial assistance of Rs 3,000 to 5,000, he said. The minister was appreciative of the government's concerted efforts for poverty alleviation and claimed to be a firm advocate that society should take care of people who are left behind in the social and economic progress.
An official of the ministry told that the funds approved for special occasions and festivals of minorities are equally distributed among the deserving persons every year. The ministry has earmarked about Rs 75 million for the festivals of religious minorities which takes place around the year. While an amount of Rs 10 million has been allocated exclusively for the grand festival of Christmas, he informed.
Apart from these festivals, he said fifty percent of the total budget is distributed amongst the deserving people through a transparent process every year in which the applicants can file for assistance along with their ID cards and applications.
Elaborating, he said the applications are routed through the minority members of the National Assembly. The ministry officials examine the case for their genuineness before extending the financial assistance of Rs 5,000 in the form of cheques he said, adding all records are available, if anyone wanted to verify the process of aid distribution. When it is Christmas, a large number of forms have been received and aid is being distributed among the deserving, he added.
A grand Christmas dinner held every year at President House to mark the celebrations which is graced by distinguished celebrities. This year, too a grand dinner awaits the Christian community, which would be held on December 22 at President House.
Christian employees working in the government departments of twin cities have received their salaries and X-mas packages according to the Punjab government notification. President People's Party Minority Wing Islamabad, Suhail Roomi and Ejaz Khan in a joint statement have thanked the government for extending financial aid to the deserving members of Christian community.
Besides, they termed five percent increase in minorities quota as a welcoming step. Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging to the Christian faith. With the world becoming a global village, the spirit of Christmas crosses borders and people can see how enthusiastically the festival is celebrated at different places.
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