Minority Welfare: Sindh government prioritising development of minority communities, says Dr Sham Sundar Advani

KARACHI: Minority Welfare remains a priority for the Sindh government, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs and Sindh Assembly member Dr Sham Sundar K. Advani said on Thursday.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultation on the empowerment of marginalised communities, Dr Advani said the provincial government was taking measures to support the welfare and development of minority communities across Sindh.

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Dr Advani said the government had introduced an important initiative this year for minority students, particularly those from the Hindu community. The initiative includes religious books in the curriculum to support students’ educational and cultural needs.

He added that the Minority Affairs Department had also approved numerous development schemes for minority places of worship across the province during the current year.

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The remarks came at the Stakeholders’ Consultation for the Empowerment of Marginalized Communities of Sindh, organised by the National Lobbying Delegation (NLD).

Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Naveed Anthony, Minority Affairs Department Secretary Jamshed Alam Memon and NLD representatives attended the event. Participants included Ram Koli, Seema Maheshwari, Hansilal, Advocate Bhagchand, Sarang Mathrani and Suzanne.

Grassroots voices highlighted

A large number of participants from different parts of Sindh joined the consultation, particularly from towns and villages in Thar and Mirpurkhas. Women also participated prominently, with many wearing traditional regional attire that reflected Sindh’s cultural diversity.

NLD representatives presented issues, needs and demands raised by communities in different parts of the province.

Dr Advani praised the organisers for bringing grassroots political, social and religious leaders into the consultation process. He particularly appreciated the participation of women in discussions about community issues.

“It is an honour for me to be here today because I am among my own people. Today, they are speaking their hearts to me, and I am speaking my heart to them,” he said.

Government-community link

Dr Advani described the participants as the “true heirs of Sindh” and custodians of its history and culture.

He said senior Pakistan Peoples Party leadership and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had instructed party representatives to engage directly with communities, share their joys and difficulties, and listen to their concerns.

“My presence here today is a reflection of those directives,” he said.

Dr Advani said his responsibilities went beyond serving as a member of the Sindh Assembly or as special assistant to the chief minister.