PESHAWAR: Representatives of various non-Muslim groups have expressed concern over lack of facilities to their children in the educational institutions.

The reservations were expressed at a joint meeting of the minority groups here on Sunday, according to a statement. Prominent among the participants were Bishop Humphrey Sarfraz Peter, All Pakistan Hindus Rights Movement chairman Haroon Sarabdiyal and former Bishop Emanuel Shalmi.

The participants said in the past the children of non-Muslims had the opportunity to avail scholarships, free books and other facilities through the missionary educational institutions but currently the parents had to bear the entire financial burden.

They said in the prevailing situation where price hike was peaking and the people with humble family backgrounds could not afford the increasing educational expenditures it was duty of the missionary educational institutions to continue providing support to the children so they could continue education with peace of mind.

Besides, the participants demanded increase in annual budget for minority groups and spending of funds on the projects in consultation with the minority communities.

They also demanded foolproof security of the worship places and protection to the properties of minority groups. They also sought increase in job quota for the educated youth.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2018