State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed on Tuesday apprised the National Assembly that a survey was being carried out to collect the data of orphan children.
The orphans were being registered through National Database Registration Authority (NADRA).
Replying to a calling attention notice raised by Dr. Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari and others regarding non-registration of orphan children and orphanages in the country, the minister said that Pakistan Baitul Maal (PBM) was also set up by PML in 1990 for the welfare of needy people.
Under the one window operation, PBM was providing financial assistance to the poor and needy patients, he said.
He said that PBM has also set up sweet homes in various districts of the country where free education and shelter were being provided to the orphan children.
To a question, the minister said that presently there were no sweet homes in FATA and a proposal was under consideration for it , he added.
He said the government has also enhanced funds to over Rs.100 billion for Benazir Income Support Programme.
Aftab Ahmed said that the government has also launched a health programme for the needy people and in its first phase health facilities would be provided to 3.2 million people.