The program is meant to provide support to orphan girls - AP
The program is meant to provide support to orphan girls - APP/File photo.

ISLAMABAD The National Assembly`s Standing Committee on Social Welfare and Special Education asked the Pakistan Baitul Mal (PBM) on Thursday to enhance the dowry package for orphan girls from Rs25000 to Rs50,000 to enable them to buy items of basic need.

The managing director of Pakistan Baitul Mal, Mr Zamarud Khan, briefed the committee on the performance of his institution and plans to help the poor in a better way.

The committee asked the institution to use the electronic media to inform the poor and deserving people about the help it is providing and the process to apply for assistance.

The committee, which met under Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani, observed that most of the poor and deserving people in far-flung areas did not know about the Baitul Mal, Zakat fund and Benazir Income Support Programme and did not derive any benefit. Besides asking Baitul Mal high-ups to launch a public awareness campaign through electronic media, the committee called for making the process of distribution of funds by the institutions more transparent and taking effective steps to stop any misappropriation and misuse.

The committee also asked the PBM to set up burns and reconstructive surgery centres in more hospitals across the country on the pattern of the Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Centre it had set up and funded in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...