LAHORE: A delegation of the British High Commission, British Council and UNICEF visited the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal office on Monday. The delegation was led by head of the British High Commission Lahore, Clara Strandhoj, which held a meeting with Punjab Minister for Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt and explored potential collaboration in multiple social welfare projects.
During the session, the secretary of social welfare gave a briefing on potential collaboration in several social welfare projects with partners.
Social Welfare Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt expressed gratitude to Clara Strandhoj and the delegation, stressing the importance of uplifting underprivileged classes through mutual cooperation with the British High Commission and other stakeholders.
He emphasized the need for strict implementation of legislation concerning gender-based violence, assistance to victims, and prevention of child marriage.
Underlining the role of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, he stressed the importance of timely enforcement of laws, particularly through programmes aimed at assisting vulnerable women and children. Plans were also discussed for improving conditions in shelters, orphanages, and other institutions, with a focus on better exit strategies for those leaving such facilities.
The minister highlighted the initiatives to integrate transgender individuals into society through training programmes in different fields and ensuring complete protection against gender-based violence for women of all religions.
Social Welfare Programmes in Punjab
Regarding welfare programmes, the minister underlined the digital registration for disabled individuals under the Himmat Card and Nigheban Card programmes, along with efforts to provide interest-free loans to people with disabilities.
Clara Strandhoj affirmed the British High Commission’s commitment to cooperating with the Social Welfare Department for the welfare of vulnerable segments of society, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
In recognition of her efforts, Sohail Shaukat Butt presented Clara Strandhoj with a shield at the conclusion of the meeting.
