596 minority students awarded scholarship cheques

Resuming its scholarship programme after two years, the Sindh Minorities Affairs Department on Saturday held a ceremony in Karachi to award cheques of Rs50,000 each to 596 students belonging to minority communities.

The event was held at Minorities Affairs Secretary Anjum Iqbal Jumani’s office. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Minorities Affairs and Pakistan Peoples Party Minority Wing Sindh President Dr Lalchand Ukrani was the chief guest.

Dr Ukrani congratulated the scholarship recipients, stressing the government’s commitment to minorities’ welfare and development. “After a two-year gap the minorities affairs department has successfully resumed its scholarship programme.”

He said the scholarship amount has been increased from Rs25,000 to Rs50,000 on the recommendation of the Sindh Non-Muslim Welfare Committee. “In this era of inflation, financial assistance such as this can make a meaningful difference in helping students complete their education.”

He also said the government is providing equal opportunities and rights to minorities, with the scholarship programme serving as a key example. Moreover, he added, the department runs various welfare schemes, including financial aid for religious festivals, weddings, medical emergencies and natural disasters.

Anjum said the department had received 645 applications from different educational institutions, of which 594 were approved for scholarships. “We’re proud to support these hard-working and dedicated students, and we believe they’ll go on to achieve great things for themselves and their communities.”

She said the department continues to work for the welfare of minority groups across the province. Every member of society, regardless of their background, is an equal citizen of Pakistan, she added.