President gives away cheques for poor girls’

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He was addressing a function of handing over cheques amongst deserving families as part of the marriage package at a simple ceremony here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
President Zardari handed over cheques of Rs 40,000 each for the marriages of 2,500 poor girls from all over the country, funds for which have been provided by the President of Pakistan, while the disbursement has been managed by the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM).

The President directed that the disbursement of funds in all organisations, particularly by the PBM, must be made transparent so that the people may know where the money was being spent.

He said details of the disabled, with their particular disabilities; their address and other relevant information also needs to be placed on the website, and be available to the government’s other welfare agencies so that it is easy to reach out to them.

President Zardari tasked the Pakistan Baitul Mal to initiate a smart card on the pattern of Benazir Income Support Program card for the disabled so as to provide them assistance, without any hassle.

President Zardari stressed the need to expand the scope of this activity and said the government of Pakistan Peoples Party was committed to the noble cause of helping the poor and marginalized segments of society.

He said Pakistanis were a philanthropic nation ranking high in the list of countries that donate for noble causes. He however regretted that some sections were misusing Islam and targeting young minds prompting them to violence.
He said it was important that well-to-do people set up example of simplicity and added that Islam stresses the virtue of simplicity.

President Zardari lauded the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal for its “commendable service” by arranging such welfare programmes particularly for the poor women, deserving students, disabled persons and widows.
He urged the civil society and non-governmental organizations to come forward and play their important role to supplement government’s efforts.

“It is the duty of every one of us to assist those in need.
The goal of welfare society can be achieved by the moral and financial support of multinationals, sponsors, and wealthy sections of the society,” he added
The President said the BISP and other services provided by the government, though on a small scale, were infact a gesture of its desire to reach out to the marginalized sections of the society and help them stand on their own feet.
The President prayed for a very happy married life for the young girls and wished them a prosperous future.

The president joined the audience in a prayers for a peaceful, prosperous and happy life ahead for the newly-wed couples.

Federal Minister Samina Khalid Ghurki highlighting the salient features of the marriage package and said it would contribute towards sharing the burden of the marriages of 2,500 girls.

She said the girls were selected through a transparent procedure and noted that exorbitant expenses in marriages were a problem for the low income group. She said the ministry has launched a package in this regard with an aim to provide them alternative sources of income.

Managing Director Zamurrud Khan said the dream of Mohtarma Benazir had been fulfilled by providing assistance to the needy women, enabling them to start their new family lives with honour and dignity.

He said the PBM was also providing ample assistance including wheelchairs to the deserving disabled persons and has initiated ‘langar’ (free food) at government hospitals in 26 cities, which would be expanded throughout the country in next six months.

Khan said the PBM was also providing funding for treatment of heart, cancer, Hepatitis C and other seriously ill patients throughout the country, besides artificial limbs and hearing aid devices.

He said orphan children aged 4-6 years were being provided food, shelter and education under the Sweet Pakistan program. He lauded the President for initiating the special NIC for the disabled and his gesture to donate all of his body organs.

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), working under the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education is playing a key role towards poverty alleviation through its several “poorest of the poor” services.