PESHAWAR: In a significant step towards educational inclusion and social empowerment of minority communities, the provincial government on Monday distributed scholarships among hundreds of minority students under its flagship Minority Students Scholarship Distribution Programme.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held here, adviser to the chief minister on information and public relations BarristerMohammad AliSaif described the initiative as a practical manifestation of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf`s longstanding commitment to justice, equality, and human development.

Barrister Saif highlighted that the scholarship distribution reflected the PTI government`s commitment to welfare, equity, and inclusion, in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan for the betterment and uplift of minority communities in Pakistan, according to a statement issued here.

`Imran Khan has always emphasised an inclusive Pakistan, where every citizen, regardless of faith, isgiven equal opportunity to grow and contribute to national development, he remarked.

Barrister Saif extended special appreciation to the department of Auqaf, Haj, religious and minority affairs for organising the event, and particularly to the focal person to the chief minister on minority affairs Mr Wazirzada, for his dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to serving the minority community despite facing politically and personally challenging times.

Around 300 students belonging to minority communities in Peshawar were given scholarship cheques.

PhD scholars were awarded with Rs1 million, MPhil students with Rs200,000, students enrolled in professional degree programmess with Rs100,000, master`s degree students with Rs70,000, bachelor`s degree students with Rs60,000, and intermediate students with Rs50,000 each.

In total, around 800 minority students across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will benefit from this programme, with an overall financial disbursement of Rs61 million.