Under the "Food Support Programme", Pakistan Post has disbursed an amount of Rs 1.6 billion to over 1 million beneficiaries in Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan, Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas along with "Pakistan Baitul Mal" during the year 2003-2004.
This was disclosed by the Chairman, Pakistan Postal Services Management Board, Major General Agha Masood Hasan (retd) on Saturday.
Chairman, PPSMB, said that Pakistan Post embarked upon this project on August 29, 2000 under the directives of the Chief Executive of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf to alleviate poverty.
It is pertinent to mention here that prior to the launching of "Food Subsidy Scheme" the Punjab University conducted an independent survey asking the "Mustahqeen" to give their preferences for its disbursement.
97percent of them showed their complete satisfaction over Post Offices distribution system.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan has taken personal interest in the "Food Support Programme" and the federal government has recently increased the subsidy from Rs 2000 to Rs 2400 per annum for each beneficiary to be paid biannually.