,Lahore (PR) : Minister for Social Welfare Sohail Shaukat Butt spearheaded a collaborative effort with a delegation from the British High Commission, British Council, and UNICEF, led by Clara Strandhoj, Head of the British High Commission Lahore Office. The delegation visited the offices of the Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Mal Department in Lahore, where they held a crucial meeting.
In attendance were Secretary Social Welfare Iqbal Hussain and Director General Social Welfare Amina Munir, along with Ali Naqvi from FCDO, Deputy Head British High Commission Saeed Ul Hassan, Tania Darani from UNFPA, Yasmeen Zaidi and Arshad Mahmood from AWAZ ||, and Zahida Mansoor and Azlan Butt from UNICEF. The meeting focused on exploring potential collaborations in various social welfare projects.
Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt expressed gratitude to Clara Strandhoj and the delegation, emphasizing the importance of uplifting underprivileged classes through cooperation with the British High Commission and other stakeholders. He stressed the need for strict implementation of legislation concerning gender-based violence, assistance to victims, and prevention of child marriage.
Highlighting the role of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Minister Butt emphasized the importance of timely enforcement of laws, especially through programs like AAWAZ ||, aimed at assisting vulnerable women and children. Plans were discussed for improving conditions in shelters, orphanages, and other institutions, with a focus on better exit strategies for those leaving such facilities.
The Minister also outlined initiatives to integrate transgender individuals into society through training programs in various fields and ensuring complete protection against gender-based violence for women of all religions.
Regarding welfare programs, Minister Butt highlighted the digital registration for disabled individuals under the Himmat Card and Nigheban Card programs, along with efforts to provide interest-free loans to the disabled.
Clara Strandhoj expressed gratitude for the discussions, affirming 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 Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
In recognition of her efforts, Minister Sohail Shaukat Butt presented Clara Strandhoj with a shield after the meeting.
