Additionally, in honor of Diwali, she announced that Rs 15,000 would be granted to 1,400 minority families, alongside an increase in funding for minority welfare programs
By Faizan Khan
LAHORE: In a recent Diwali celebration in Lahore, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz announced several new welfare initiatives aimed at supporting minorities and farmers across the province. These initiatives underscore her administration’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and assisting vulnerable communities.
Maryam Nawaz introduced a minority card program designed to provide financial support to low-income families from minority groups, including Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs, who she acknowledged as vital to Pakistan’s cultural heritage and national development. The program will officially launch on December 20, allowing eligible recipients to receive Rs 10,000 every three months. Additionally, in honor of Diwali, she announced that Rs 15,000 would be granted to 1,400 minority families, alongside an increase in funding for minority welfare programs.
During her address, the Chief Minister also highlighted the pressing issue of smog affecting Punjab, labeling it a “human problem.” She called for collaborative efforts between Indian and Pakistani Punjab to address this environmental challenge, advocating for joint solutions. In a related initiative to support the agricultural sector, CM Nawaz announced an expansion of the ‘Kisan Card Programme.’ This program now offers small farmers loans up to Rs 150,000 per crop season, enabling them to purchase essential supplies.
The budget for the program has been increased to facilitate the issuance of 750,000 Kisan Cards, up from the previous target of 500,000. Farmers with 12.5 to 25 acres of wheat land will be eligible for free laser leveling services, while those with more than 25 acres will receive tractors. To further assist local agriculture, plans were also revealed to provide agricultural equipment rentals at no profit.
On a separate note, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) is set to hear a bail plea from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in the Toshakhana 2.0 case on Monday. The IHC removed objections to his bail request, allowing the case to proceed. Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing, during which Khan’s legal representatives highlighted the principle of consistency in granting bail, noting that Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, had previously received bail in a similar case.
