PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a comprehensive relief and welfare package for minority communities, expanding financial assistance for families affected by terrorism while increasing investment in education, community development and the protection of religious sites.
The package is backed by a Minority Endowment Fund that has been doubled from Rs200 million to Rs400 million, provincial officials told Pakistan TV Digital.
Home to Sikh, Christian, Hindu and Kalash communities, Pakistan’s northwestern KP province has long pursued targeted welfare initiatives for religious minorities, particularly in districts affected by militancy. Provincial authorities say recent measures are aimed at supporting victims of extremist violence while strengthening education, livelihoods and social inclusion for minority communities.
The latest approvals were finalized during a high-level meeting of the provincial committee chaired by Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Muhammad Adnan Qadri. According to the provincial government, the committee reviewed 173 applications and approved financial assistance for 167 eligible families.
Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Qadri said the initiative primarily targets families affected by terrorism.
"The focus of this relief is to support the families of those lost to or injured by extremist violence," he said.
Qadri also confirmed that the provincial government had approved Rs4 million in assistance for the families of victims of the recent attack on a gurdwara in Mardan, alongside a separate grant for the welfare and rehabilitation of the place of worship.
Under the provincial compensation framework, families of those killed are eligible for Rs500,000, while individuals sustaining major injuries can receive Rs200,000, although officials said each case is assessed on its individual merits.
"Pakistan has always stood by its minorities, and the provincial government is even now working on increasing funds to improve their security and livelihoods," Qadri said.
He added that minority communities are an integral part of Pakistan's social fabric and deserve equal opportunities, protection and development.
Secretary for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Atta ur Rehman told Pakistan TV Digital that the relief package is financed through the province's Minority Endowment Fund.
"This relief is financed through a dedicated Minority Endowment Fund, and the government has recently doubled the fund's capital from Rs200 million to Rs400 million as of June 2026," he said.
According to the secretary, the increase is intended to ensure the long-term sustainability of welfare programs while expanding assistance for widows, orphans and persons with disabilities within minority communities.
Beyond direct financial assistance, the provincial government has outlined broader social welfare initiatives valued at approximately Rs13.8 billion.
The planned programs include rehabilitation and support for churches, temples and gurdwaras through the provision of essential infrastructure, including generators and furniture.
To promote long-term socio-economic development, the government has earmarked approximately Rs62 million for minority scholarships and has initiated the procurement process for 500 laptops, valued at around Rs120 million, for deserving students.
Atta ur Rehman said the government has also signed a memorandum of understanding to provide specialized coaching for students from minority communities preparing for competitive examinations, including the Central Superior Services (CSS) and Provincial Management Service (PMS) examinations.
In addition, the provincial government has established a dedicated Rs100 million Endowment Fund for the development and welfare of the Kalash community in Chitral.
Officials said all applications were processed through district and departmental verification mechanisms to ensure transparency and merit.
The approved financial assistance is expected to be distributed to beneficiaries through cheques in the coming weeks.
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