News Desk
Lahore: March 12, 2025
As the Pakistani government rolls out its annual Ramadan relief package, minority leaders are urging similar support for religious minorities during their respective holy festivals. The demand has sparked discussions on equitable assistance, with calls for financial aid and ration packages for Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, particularly during Easter and Lent.
The government recently issued a letter detailing the Ramadan package, which provides Rs. 10,000 in financial aid to eligible Muslim families. Meanwhile, minority communities have historically received grants for their religious celebrations, including Christmas and Diwali. However, concerns have been raised regarding the delayed distribution of Easter grants and the need for consistent support for Christians observing Lent.
Christopher Falbous, Chairman of the Human Rights Standing Committee, highlighted that the government has previously provided financial assistance to minority communities. He noted that Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs have received grants on their religious occasions, and a new initiative, the Minority Card, is being introduced to streamline systematic future aid.
“Christians received Christmas grants via cheques, with each person receiving approximately Rs. 15,000. Similarly, the upcoming Easter grants will amount to Rs. 15,000 per individual,” Falbous explained.
“While the Ramadan package offers Rs. 10,000, Muslims do not receive financial grants on Eid. However, minorities benefit from state support during all their major festivals on regular basis”, he claimed
According to Falbous, Chief Minister Punjab is personallyday overseeing the distribution of minority grants, and efforts are being made to pass necessary bills to institutionalize such support.
Imran Athwal, President of the Minority Wing of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Punjab, believes that a formal bill should be introduced to ensure financial aid for Christian communities during Lend and Easter, similar to the Ramadan package.
“The government has allocated relief for Muslims during Ramadan, but Christians observing Lent should also receive a dedicated package,” Athwal stated.
“This could include a cash component, a ration package, or subsidies on essential items, ensuring that Christian families can observe their religious period with dignity.”, he added
He further emphasized the need for the government to provide ration packages to Christians in preparation for Easter, similar to the Ramadan relief programs, allowing them to celebrate their festival without financial burdens.
Pastor Vikram Saleem underscored the economic hardships faced by religious minorities, arguing that state assistance should reflect the principles of equal citizenship.
“Ninety-nine percent of minorities in Pakistan live in financial distress,” Saleem pointed out. “Lent, like Ramadan, is a period of fasting and reflection. If the government provides Ramadan relief to those in need, then Christians should also be eligible for similar support, including ration packages.”, he urged
He stressed that financial aid during religious festivals should not be viewed through a communal lens but as a necessary step toward social and economic parity.
While the government has taken steps to support non-Muslim communities through festival grants and minority welfare programs, calls for structured and legally mandated assistance persist.