KARACHI: Caretaker Sindh Minister for Information, Minority Affairs and Social Protection Departments Muhammad Ahmed Shah has directed the Provincial Secretary Minority Affairs to expedite the work to resolve matters related to establishment of dedicated Police Task Force aimed at safeguarding the rights and security of minority communities and their religious places.

He issued the directive during an introductory meeting of the Minority Affairs department, according to a statement on Thursday. The Secretary Minority Affairs Shariq Ahmed while giving the presentation about the working/ performance of the department, informed that the establishment of dedicated Police Task Force was under process in collaboration with the Provincial Home Department.

The Secretary Minority Affairs informed the chair that during last five years, 106990 number of people of minorities have been benefited under various heads including 8252 scholarships to students belonging to minority communities, under the funds of grant-in-aid.

He also informed that CCTV cameras at 223 sensitive religious places/ sites have also been installed to protect the religious places of minorities. “In the last five years, 245 out of 360 ADP Schemes/ Units have been completed with 76% achievement of target”, he added.

The caretaker minister for Minority Affairs said that the constitution of Pakistan ensures equal social, religious and political rights to all citizens without any racial, caste, creed and ethnic discrimination. “The government is committed to protect lives, properties and religious places of minorities”, he added.