Staff Reporter
Quetta: In a landmark move to promote minority welfare and inclusive development, the Government of Balochistan has launched the “Peoples Minority Card” — a new initiative designed to uplift the province’s minority communities through targeted social and economic support.
The decision was made during a high-level consultative meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, where comprehensive discussions were held on reforms to enhance education, healthcare, employment, and self-reliance among minority groups.
Speaking at the meeting, CM Sarfraz Bugti said that the Balochistan government is committed to ensuring equality, interfaith harmony, and social justice for all citizens. He emphasized that the Peoples Minority Card will provide minorities with easier access to education scholarships, healthcare facilities, business loans, and employment programs.
To ensure strong financial backing, the provincial government has allocated Rs. 500 million under the Minority Endowment Fund for the current fiscal year, with plans to increase the fund to Rs. 1 billion in the next budget cycle.
The Chief Minister announced that the program will also include special training courses, entrepreneurship support, and self-employment schemes for minority youth, helping them gain financial independence and contribute actively to the province’s economic growth.
For transparency and accountability, a digital monitoring system will be introduced to track the utilization of funds and ensure fair and efficient distribution of resources.
Bugti added that the government is working closely with minority leaders, religious representatives, and civil society organizations to finalize the operational framework of the Peoples Minority Card, ensuring it meets the real needs of the communities it serves.
“The well-being of minority citizens is vital for the collective progress of Balochistan,” said Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. “This initiative reflects our vision of tolerance, equality, and interfaith harmony across the province.”
The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Minority Affairs Sanjay Kumar, Chief Secretary Shakil Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary to the CM Babar Khan, and other senior officials.
