President General Pervez Musharraf has said that the government is fully committed to alleviate poverty and transfer the benefits of the economic achievements at the grassroots level. He was speaking at a function organised by Amir Begum Welfare Trust here on Friday.
The president said education, health care and provision of safe and clean drinking water would be the priority of the government and stressed that it would be ensured that by 2008 clean drinking water is made available to most people of the country.
Sixty-six percent of the diseases, including hepatitis, are waterborne, therefore, the government is fully committed to provide safe drinking water through purification plants.
The president said provision of better educational facilities and health care in the far-flung areas would contribute in poverty alleviation and development of the people and it would be his endeavour to ensure that these amenities reach the people.
He said poverty alleviation is being addressed through a strategy as now the government has more resources available and it would be ensured that benefits of the economic prosperity reach the common man.
He said about Rs 66 billion are being spent on the brick lining of watercourses, ensuring better management of water resources, efficient growth of agriculture and poverty alleviation. This will also contribute in poverty reduction.
The president said Rs 5 billion annually would be spent through Bait-ul-Maal to assist the needy and the poor. He lauded the contribution of Bait-ul-Maal for its significant contribution in providing much needed financial support to the poor segment of the society.
The president called upon the wealthy to contribute in charitable causes, emphasising that with their financial assistance the poor and the deserving could have access to education and become a productive part of the society.
He said the government alone could not reach out to those, looking for financial assistance, to fulfill their dreams.
President Musharraf announced a donation of Rs 1 million for ABWT, which is providing financial assistance to the poor and the needy, particularly in the far-flung areas of the country.
He commended the Trust for its outstanding contribution for the cause of humanity.
Earlier, Punjab Governor Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool (Retd), speaking on the occasion, said that under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf the country has been put on the road of progress and prosperity and Pakistan has attained a respected place in the comity of nations.
He appreciated the services of the ABWT for reaching out to the down trodden of the society and urged the philanthropists to take part in this noble cause by contributing in charity causes.
The president also witnessed the marriage ceremonies of two couples on the occasion.
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