ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP):Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the dignity of citizens, reducing poverty in all its dimensions and ensuring equal opportunities for a secure, dignified and productive life. In his message on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on October 17, the minister said poverty was not merely the …
Govt committed to poverty eradication, social protection: Minister
ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP):Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmad Shah Saturday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the dignity of citizens, reducing poverty in all its dimensions and ensuring equal opportunities for a secure, dignified and productive life.
In his message on the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed on October 17, the minister said poverty was not merely the absence of financial resources but also a lack of opportunities, access to essential services, productive livelihoods and the means to overcome adversity.
He emphasised that poverty eradication required a comprehensive and sustained national response, placing people, particularly the most vulnerable segments of society, at the centre of public policy.
The minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, recognised that inclusive economic growth must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
In line with the vision of URAAN Pakistan 2024–29, the government aimed to strengthen social protection, expand economic opportunities and enhance the resilience of vulnerable households against economic hardship, unemployment, illness and climate-related disasters, he added.
Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety was pursuing these objectives through its attached institutions and programmes.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) provided an essential social safety net for deserving families, while initiatives such as Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Nashonuma and the Benazir Hunarmand Programme supported education, improved nutrition and skills development.
He said these interventions reflected the government’s commitment to protecting families in the present while creating better prospects for future generations.
The minister highlighted the role of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal in providing healthcare support, educational assistance, women’s empowerment, child welfare and other targeted assistance to vulnerable individuals and families.
He said the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and the Trust for Voluntary Organisations (TVO) were also contributing to community-driven development, livelihood creation, financial inclusion and support for underserved communities.
The government’s approach was gradually shifting beyond immediate relief towards sustainable poverty graduation, he said, adding that integrating social protection with skills training, productive assets, interest-free financing, entrepreneurship and access to markets could help vulnerable households move towards self-reliance.
Referring to Pakistan’s experience with community-based poverty graduation initiatives, the minister said the expansion of such efforts, including the Poverty Graduation Programme supported by the Islamic Development Bank, was an important step towards extending proven interventions to more deserving households.
He stressed the need to protect families from economic and environmental shocks, noting that climate resilience, investment in human capital, women’s and youth empowerment, and partnerships among federal and provincial institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector were essential for lasting results.
The minister acknowledged the contributions of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and community representatives working to alleviate poverty across the country.
He also recognised the determination and resilience of individuals and families striving to build a better future for themselves and their children.
Syed Imran Ahmad Shah said poverty eradication was a shared national responsibility requiring coordinated action, effective institutions and sustained investment in human potential.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to protect vulnerable people, empower those seeking to improve their circumstances and create pathways for every Pakistani to participate in the country’s social and economic progress.
He called for collective efforts to build a Pakistan where opportunities were not determined by circumstances, human dignity was protected and no citizen was left behind. “Pakistan Paindabad,” the minister concluded
