CM KP doubles endowment fund to boost welfare for terror‑hit minorities

PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Assessment Committee of the Endowment Fund established to provide relief to minority communities affected by terrorism, and approved a series of measures to enhance the Fund’s effectiveness, targeting and sustainability.
The meeting, held via video link, reviewed the progress of ongoing interventions and deliberated on steps to strengthen support mechanisms for victims of terror attacks across the province.
Directing concerned authorities to expedite relief, the Chief Minister ordered the disbursement of financial assistance to all victims of the 2013 All Saints Church blast at Kohati Gate, Peshawar, within the current week, underscoring the need for transparency and timely delivery.
In a major policy decision, Mr Afridi approved a doubling of the Fund’s seed allocation from Rs200 million to Rs400 million to broaden its outreach and impact.
Under the revised assistance framework, financial support for widows has been raised from Rs1 million to Rs2 million, for orphans from Rs0.5m to Rs1.5m, and for persons with disabilities from Rs0.5m to Rs1m.
Compensation for the injured has been increased significantly from Rs100,000 to Rs600,000.
The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a proposal for establishing a dedicated directorate for minority affairs within the Auqaf Department.
He also asked for a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme for minority residential colonies to be included in the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP).
Highlighting the government’s efforts to protect minority rights, Mr Afridi said safeguarding minorities and ensuring their socio‑economic inclusion was a constitutional obligation and a core governance priority.
“Minority communities are an integral part of our social fabric and economic progress. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to stand by them, especially those impacted by terrorism,” he said, adding that durable peace and sustainable development were intrinsically linked to religious harmony, tolerance and social cohesion.