PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi chaired a meeting of the Assessment Committee of the Endowment Fund for Minority Communities Affected by Terrorism.
During the meeting, held via video link, the Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure the disbursement of financial assistance to all victims of the 2013 All Saints Church attack in Kohati Gate, Peshawar, within the current week, stressing timely delivery and transparency.
To strengthen the Fund, the Chief Minister approved doubling its seed allocation from Rs. 200 million to Rs. 400 million.
Financial support for affected groups has also been enhanced, with widows receiving Rs. 2 million instead of Rs. 1 million, orphans Rs. 1.5 million instead of Rs. 0.5 million, persons with disabilities Rs. 1 million instead of Rs. 0.5 million, and compensation for injured individuals increased from Rs. 0.1 million to Rs. 0.6 million.
In a move to institutionalize support, the Chief Minister instructed the formulation of a proposal for a dedicated directorate for minority affairs within the Auqaf Department, aimed at better coordination, oversight, and policy implementation.
He also called for a comprehensive rehabilitation scheme for residential colonies of minority communities to be included in the upcoming Annual Development Programme.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to minority rights, Afridi said that protecting these communities and ensuring their socio-economic inclusion is a constitutional responsibility and a governance priority.
He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to equal rights, inclusive development, and religious harmony, emphasizing that sustainable peace and development are linked to social cohesion and tolerance.
