PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has allocated Rs 620 million in the annual budget for 20 projects meant for protection of the rights of minorities and installation of solar system in mosques.

According to the budgetary documents, out of the 20 project, 12 are ongoing with allocation of Rs513.195 million while eight are new ones with allocation of Rs106.805 million.

These schemes include ensuring adequate protection, conservation and sustainable use of Auqaf properties, mosques, shrines and promotion of religious harmony in the province and raising standard of living of people belonging to minorities.

It was stated that the projects aimed at safeguarding and promoting the rights of minorities, better management and maintenance of Auqaf properties, improving f acilities at mosques and shrines and ensuring security around mosques to provide peaceful environment for the devotees, explore, identify and document historic shrines in neglected and f ar-flung areas.

It was stated that the government initiated various projects to provide basic amenities to minorities and improve their standard of living. In addition to this, the department will also implement projects pertaining to promotion of religious activities and improvement of religious seminaries in the province.

An allocation of Rs620 million has been made for a total of 20 projects out of which 12 are ongoing with allocation of Rs513.195 million and eight are new schemes with allocation of Rs106.805 million.

The major targets to be achieved in this sector include purchase of land for minority graveyards and Shamshan Ghats along with construction of boundary walls and construction of worship places for minorities in the province. The other projects include welfare package for minorities, improvement and rehabilitation of residential colonies, construction of boundary wall around graveyards in the province and installation of solar system at mosques in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Bureau Report