Keeping in view the increasing role of the minority communities in national development and to expedite the process of minorities' welfare, it has been decided to increase the developmental funding from Rs 100 million to Rs 200 million to gear-up the betterment and well-being of religious minorities in Punjab.
This was unveiled by Senior Minister, Raja Riaz Ahmad while talking to a social worker Ms Jacqueline Tressler at his residence, here on Wednesday. Pakistan was created to safeguard the interests and distinct identify of Muslims of Sub-Continent and this is indeed a minority friendly country which has institutionalised the welfare of its minorities, he maintained. "Muslims are a peace loving community who believe in peaceful co-existence."
He said the welfare of minority communities is given priority in the budget and adequate amounts will be provided for the provision of necessary facilities to the minority communities. The government is also providing educational stipends to the needy and deserving students belonging to religious minorities so that these students could complete their education without any financial disability, he told.
This scheme will help provide educated human resource to the country, he added. Raja Riaz observed the revival of popular democracy will augment the process of public welfare as democracies ensure equal opportunities for everyone.
Democracy is the fundamental human right of the people and the national and provincial leadership is committed to make this country a bastion of tolerance and peace. On the occasion, Jacqueline Tressler appreciated the policies and thanked the government for its kind approach towards the minority communities.