Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar says over 7 million needy population of Pakistan are being looked after under ‘Ehsaas Kafalat Program’.
Talking to private news channel, she said ‘Ehsaas Payment System’ will be fully digitalized by September this year.
She said opening biometric ATMs and bank branches for the Ehsaas beneficiaries will be a major feature of the new Ehsaas digital payment system.
She said Ehsaas is focusing on accountability and impact which laid the foundations for becoming a globally leading example of how to tackle poverty.
Sania Nishtar said the federal government is also introducing targeted subsidies for Ehsaas beneficiaries in Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan and karyana stores from next month under Ehsaas program.
She said Ehsaas beneficiaries for targeted subsidies on certain food items will be identified through the process of IT integration which is now working seamlessly.
Replying to a question, she said Ehsaas Langar scheme will be further expanded to the rest of country to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry.
Special Assistant said all these practical measures are aimed at narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor and for development of social harmony in the country.