Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and PovertyAlleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar says over 7 million needy population ofPakistan are being looked after under ‘Ehsaas Kafalat Program’.

Talking to private news channel, she said ‘Ehsaas Payment System’ will befully digitalized by September this year.

She said opening biometric ATMs and bank branches for the Ehsaasbeneficiaries will be a major feature of the new Ehsaas digital paymentsystem.

She said Ehsaas is focusing on accountability and impact which laid thefoundations for becoming a globally leading example of how to tacklepoverty.

Sania Nishtar said the federal government is also introducing targetedsubsidies for Ehsaas beneficiaries in Utility Stores Corporation ofPakistan and karyana stores from next month under Ehsaas program.

She said Ehsaas beneficiaries for targeted subsidies on certain food itemswill be identified through the process of IT integration which is nowworking seamlessly.

Replying to a question, she said Ehsaas Langar scheme will be furtherexpanded to the rest of country to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.

Special Assistant said all these practical measures are aimed at narrowingthe gap between the rich and the poor and for development of social harmonyin the country.