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LAHORE, Aug 26 (APP):Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the Minority Cards program and examined all phases of the initiative in detail.
Addressing the participants, Ramesh Singh Arora announced that, in line with the special directives and vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the number of Minority Cards is being increased from 50,000 to 75,000.
He said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, revolutionary measures were being taken across Punjab for the welfare and empowerment of minority communities, and the Minority Cards initiative is a key part of this vision. He emphasized that 100 percent transparency will be ensured at every stage. Canceled cards will be thoroughly reviewed to protect families from unfair exclusion, while payments will only be made upon presentation of the Minority Card.
He also directed that beneficiaries must not be enrolled simultaneously in any other welfare program.
The minister instructed that all pending cases be resolved by September 15. He appreciated the improved performance of the department under the leadership of Secretary Human Rights Farid Ahmed Tarar and praised the dedicated efforts of the entire team in ensuring transparency and credibility.
He also commended IT expert Hasnain Haider for successfully digitizing and streamlining the system.
Ramesh Singh Arora said the Punjab government is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in education, health, and employment for minority communities. He noted that the Minority Cards are not only a means of financial support but also a symbol of the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
During the briefing, it was informed that over 93,000 families have been registered for the program, of which 89,000 have been verified, while the remaining applications are in the verification process.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Human Rights Farid Ahmed Tarar, Deputy Secretary Ayesha Yaseen, Mian Umar Hayat, representatives of the Bank of Punjab, PITB, Punjab Social Protection Authority, and other relevant departments.