ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched National Poverty Graduation Strategy under Ehsas Program to help the poor uplift their living standard.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the program in Islamabad on Friday afternoon, he said the government will introduce new initiatives under the umbrella of Ehsas Program every month to social protection in the country.

The Prime Minister said the PTI government is launching various welfare projects with the view to build the country on the pattern of state of Madina.

Imran Khan announced three to ten percent reward to those individuals who identify benami properties of Pakistani citizens.

He said the amount recovered from such benami properties will be added to Ehsas Program funds.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood said the Ministry of Education and Professional Training will fully participate in the program to provide skills to the youth.

Explaining National Poverty Graduation Strategy, Special Assistant on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Sania Nishtar said the strategy consists of three components, including interest-free loans, skill training and transfer of small assets such as sewing machines, livestock and agricultural equipment.

Dr. Sania Nishtar said over 16 million people will benefit from the program while eighty thousand people will be provided interest-free loans every month.

rp