GUJRAT: In a historic step for the welfare of the minority community, the Punjab government held a ceremony for the distribution of “Minority Cards” in Gujranwala on Saturday.

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora distributed the cards among deserving minority families.

Speaking at the event, Arora expressed optimism the district administration would continue to implement further initiatives under the vision of the Punjab government to promote the development and prosperity of the minority community.

Gujranwala Commissioner Naveed Haider Shirazi shared his thoughts, stating that 5,117 families across the district were deemed eligible for the cards, while a total of 5,454 applications were received.

The district administration has already received 2400 cards from the Punjab Government, and the verification process for the remaining applications is ongoing.

According to the district administration, the assistant commissioners, in collaboration with public representatives, will distribute the cards in each tehsil.

These cards are being issued to provide deserving families with a quarterly financial assistance of Rs 10,500. Families with a PMT score of 45 or below will be eligible for this card.

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmad, members of the national and provincial assemblies Mahmood Bashir Virk, Shazia Fareed, Chaudhry Iqbal Gujjar, Umar Farooq Dar, Amanullah Athar Julius.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2025