“Your recommendations helped us in allocating funds for religious minorities in the province’s budget for FY2025-26,” said Mr. Wazir Zada, Focal Person for Religious Minorities, acknowledging the suggestions made by Aawaz II community partners through pre-budget consultations convened in February and May 2025. He provided details of funds allocated and schemes financed in this fiscal year. These include increased funds for interfaith harmony, for funeral/worship and other facilities, for education/vocational opportunities.

Mr. Wazir Zada was speaking at the Roundtable organized by Aawaz II in collaboration with the Auqaf & Religious Affairs Department. The event provided a platform for dialogue between senior government officials from the Auqaf & Religious Affairs, P&D, Home and Social Welfare Departments and Aawaz II’s religious minority community partners from Abbottabad, Buner, Dir, Nowshera and Malakand. They reviewed budgets allocated and discussed ways to ensure they are effectively implemented.

Collaboration was agreed to ensure information on educational and vocational support is provided to communities. Aawaz II will submit recommendations on effective use of funds for district-level interfaith harmony events and community exchanges. Drawing on the programme’s experiences in supporting leadership among vulnerable groups, Aawaz II will suggest schemes to support women’s leadership among religious minority groups.
Mr. Wazir Zada also appreciated the suggestion for a Provincial Policy on Religious Minorities in KP. Mr.Inayat Ullah Waseem, Secretary Auqaf appreciated the opportunity to engage with Aawaz II partners and reiterated his department’s commitment to supporting the needs of religious minority citizens. Ms. Anila Naz, AIG Police, requested Aawaz II support in setting up Tahaffuz Centres for which Rs.10 million in allocated in KP’s Budget FY2025-26. She also expressed her interest in learning about the experience of Misaq Centres.