Relief announced for displaced Sikh families by Pak govt.

Bhatti announced a relief for the recently displaced non-Muslim minorities of Swat, Orakzai Agency and Buner. The relief package includes provision of food, medical & educational facilities, residence and emergency financial aid amounting to Rs. 10,000 for each displaced family.

The minister lashed out at Taliban for demanding ‘religious tax’ (known as Jizia) from non-Muslims communities. “The concept of Jizia is (in) blatant violation of the law of the land as Article 20 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan protect the right to profess and practice the religion for every citizen of the country without any discrimination,” Bhatti maintained.

He reaffirmed that the government will never allow anyone to repeat such ghastly and shameful acts of violence against the minorities whom he referred to as the sons of the soil. He ensured of rehabilitating the displaced families in their respective residential areas once the situation stabilizes.