News Desk
Minister of State for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Kesoo Mal Kheal Das on Tuesday informed the National Assembly that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved Rs 1.33 billion for members of the National Assembly belonging to minority communities.
Responding to a point raised by Member National Assembly (MNA) Ramesh, he said minority affairs had become a devolved subject following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, with provincial governments allocating funds for the welfare of minority communities.
He said the Punjab government had allocated more than rupees four billion for minorities, while Sindh had earmarked over rupees two billion for the purpose. The federal Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony had a limited allocation for minority-related activities because the subject no longer fell within its direct mandate after the 18th Amendment.
The minister of state said women on reserved seats had not received funds earlier. He added that the prime minister had approved Rs 1.33 billion specifically for minority MNAs.
He stressed that all members of the National Assembly, whether elected on general or reserved seats, represented the people and should have access to funds to address public needs.
Kesso Mal Das said the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony continued to facilitate religious events and welcome pilgrims visiting Pakistan to observe their religious occasions.
He cited celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak, saying the government made arrangements for Sikh pilgrims arriving from different parts of the world and extended respect and hospitality to visitors belonging to different faiths.
He said religious freedom and the opportunity for people of all faiths to celebrate their festivals were important features of Pakistan’s social fabric. The minister of state reaffirmed the government’s commitment to interfaith harmony and the welfare of minority communities, adding that federal and provincial governments were taking steps to support their religious and social needs.