PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Auqaf, Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs Department has launched a special cash assistance programme for non-Muslim minority groups, including Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, the Kalash community, and others.
A notification from the Minority Affairs Department states that applications are open for deserving members of minority communities who need financial support.
The announcement explains that eligible applicants can seek help in various categories such as dowry support, aid for widows, and assistance for orphans.
The department has made it clear that applicants must be permanent residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and hold a valid KP domicile.
For those applying for educational assistance for orphaned children, a NADRA-issued death certificate of the father must be included with the application.
Earlier, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi said on Thursday that the provincial government is working on legislation aimed at safeguarding the rights of street vendors.
He stated that the government has prepared the draft of the first street economy law titled “Ahsas cart vendors employment protection bill 2025”.
The chief minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the first province to recognise the rights of cart vendors formally.
He added that under the new bill, authorities will not be allowed to carry out anti-encroachment drives against vendors without issuing a proper notice.
According to him, the legislation will help vendors access microfinance loans, insurance, and emergency assistance. He said, “Cart vendors will be provided secured vending zones, rights and legal cover under the law”.