First of all I thank to ALLAH Almighty for providing me an opportunity to serve the people of my nation. I am also grateful to the party leadership for nominating me as Minister for Zakat and Ushr. Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan explicitly lay down that the Muslims of Pakistan shall be enabled to order their lives in accordance with the tenants of Islam. Zakat is one of the basic pillars of Islam and prime objective of Zakat is to assist the needy and the poor who are eligible to receive Zakat under Shariah. It has been enjoined upon all Muslims who are Sahib e Nisab to pay and the State to arrange for the proper collection and disbursement of Zakat and Ushr to needy people. Although the system of Zakat and Ushr was introduced in 1980 however the system is required to be made more effective and responsive to mitigate the sufferings of the poor and the needy. The present Government has a very clear agenda to serve the masses in an efficient and transparent manner without fear or favor. Zakat and Ushr is one of the major social safety nets. It is need of the hour that that all the social safety nets may be made more cohesive and well coordinated by taking all stakeholders on board. Apart from introducing reforms, the new government is determined to monitor the effectiveness of the existing poverty alleviation initiatives and harmonize them with its poverty evaluation agenda.
Shoukat Ali Laleka