Punjab govt distributes relief cheques among 318 minority families

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Apr, 2026) Punjab government on Thursday distributed relief cheques among 318 minority citizens under the provincial minority support programme.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora handed over Rs15,000 to each beneficiary on the occasions of Diwali, Easter, Good Friday and Vaisakhi. A total of 21 Hindus, 198 Christians and 99 Sikhs benefited from the initiative.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the grants were distributed transparently and on merit, noting that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all citizens. He added that steps were being taken to ensure religious freedom and protection of minority communities.

He said minority cards had been issued to over one lakh families across Punjab and assistance was provided solely on the basis of poverty scores.

The minister further stated that it was the responsibility of the Punjab government to participate in the welfare of minorities. He highlighted that the budget of the Minority Affairs Department had been increased from Rs500 million to Rs10 billion, and the department had been strengthened with full administrative powers by the Punjab Chief Minister.

While addressing questions about governance in other provinces, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora expressed concern over issues faced by residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including unemployment and security challenges. He added that the people of KPK would now decide their preferred leadership in future elections.