Self sufficiency

This refers to the article ‘The right steps’ (Feb 4, 2020) by Malik Muhammad Ashraf. The writer is justified in praising the PTI government for the introduction of the Ehsaas Kifalat card. The scheme will benefit millions of poor women. The government should also provide training to poor families in order to help them set up small agro-based businesses like bee farming, fish farming, and other relevant ventures so as to enable the recipients of financial help to break out of poverty and become self-sufficient.

Perpetual charity only adds to the feelings of helplessness and insecurity. The ultimate goal should be creating a culture of self-help.

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Boston