PESHAWAR, Jan 18: Federal Minster for Social Welfare and Special Education Zubaida Jalal on Thursday announced that the government would launch from next fiscal year a “social protection programme” that will benefit 25 per cent people living below the poverty line in the country.

Speaking at a conference on the provincial advisory for social protection projects held here, she said the provinces would play a vital role in implementation of the project.

She lauded the assistance and suggestions of the province and said without the cooperation and assistance of the provinces, the programme would not succeed.

Under the programme, the underprivileged would be provided with assistance in health, education, food and other necessities in five to 10 years. The World Bank and the Department for International Development, UK, would provide financial assistance for the project.

Ms Jalal said the project would soon be finalised under supervision of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.—APP