RAWALPINDI: Punjab`s Parliamentary Secretary for Auqaf, Zakat and Ushr Malik Iftikhar Ahmad on Sunday said the implementation of Zakat reforms, directed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, had commenced across Punjab, including Rawalpindi division.

The reforms include the formation of district Zakat committees in 41 districts, union council (UC) Zakat committees in 1,546 UCs and special committees for provincialconstituencies.

He said upon completion, financial assistance will be disbursed to beneficiaries under the revised rates.

Talking to newsmen, the parliamentary secretary said that the Punjab government was ensuring transparent and efficient distribution of Zakat funds.

As part of these reforms, the Guzara (subsistence) allowance has been increased from Rs1,500 to Rs2,000, while the marriage grant has been raised from Rs25,000 to Rs100,000.

Additionally, educational scholarships and leprosypatients` subsistence allowance have alsobeenincreased.

Malik Iftikhar Ahmad further said that new committees are being established at various levels to formulate clear rules and regulations concerning the Guzara allowance, educational scholarships, marriage grants, employment schemes and healthcare programmes.

Emphasising transparency, he noted that a modern digital system is being introduced to ensure the fair and timely distribution of Zakat funds, as per the directives of the chief minister.

`The Punjab government is also working on several new initiatives under Zakat funds, including employment schemes, financial assistance for prisoners` release and free medical treatment for underprivileged patients in hospitals,` he said.

These projects will provide direct relief to millions of deserving individuals across the province, he noted.

`The Punjab government is taking all possible measures for the welfare of the needy. Any irregularities or delays in Zakat fund distribution will not be tolerated,` Malik Iftikhar Ahmad said.