ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary committee on Monday said the Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) should initiate programme to rehabilitate the families of martyrs and victims of violence and abuse.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was briefed on the organisational structure and scope of activities of the Pakistan Baitul Mal.

According to an official statement issued by the National Assembly after the meeting, the committee praised the organisation’s performance and directed it to extend its facilities to less developed districts in the country.

The committee also recommended enhancing public outreach in all districts to benefit the maximum number of people.

The committee was informed that the Pakistan Baitul Mal has been mandated to facilitate marginalised segments of society by providing financial assistance and rehabilitation.

The committee was told that the organisation extends assistance from annual grants received from the government through its Darul Ehsaas orphanages, child support programme, education for deserving students, health facilities for destitute patients and women’s empowerment.

The managing director told the committee that the organisation’s financial and administrative systems have been strengthened and the records of beneficiaries were digitised. In addition, facilitation centres and regional and sub-offices have been established to ensure the decentralisation of power and transparency.

He also spoke about future initiatives of the Pakistan Baitul Mal.

The committee directed the organisation’s management to provide district-wise details of assistance it has provided in the last few years.

The committee also discussed the Federal Public Service Commission Validation of Rules Ordinance 2018 and a bill to amend the Constitution, but both bills are pending until its next meeting.

The parliamentarians also discussed 177 schools in Abbotabad district that were not restored or completed by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority in 14 years.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2019