Punjab government distributes over 800 minority cards in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has distributed 850 minority cards to members of the minority community in Rawalpindi as part of a welfare initiative aimed at providing financial support to underprivileged non-Muslim households.

The distribution took place on Sunday at a ceremony held at Viqarun Nisa College for Women Rawalpindi. The event was attended by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of National Assembly Tahira Aurangzeb, who served as the chief guest and handed out the cards to deserving recipients.

According to Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, the programme is being implemented in two phases in Rawalpindi. During the first phase, 850 cards have been distributed. The second phase will see the distribution of nearly 994 additional cards to eligible community members.

Dr Cheema explained that the Chief Minister Punjab Minority Card is a welfare initiative launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The programme is designed to provide financial assistance to underprivileged non-Muslim minority households. Under this scheme, eligible families receive Rs10,500 every three months, either through a digital card or via bank transfer. The financial support is intended to help cover essential expenses, including food, education, and utility bills.

The initiative reflects the provincial government's ongoing efforts to support minority communities and improve their quality of life. The distribution of minority cards is expected to continue as the programme moves into its second phase, with a total of 1,844 cards planned for distribution in Rawalpindi.