Addressing the post-budget press conference, the Federal Minister said that foundation of the Peoples Party was laid on the slogan of upliftment and welfare of the poor.

He said the government under Benazir Income Support Fund (BISP) provided Rs.50 billion to 3.5 million families at the rate of Rs.1000 during the fiscal year 2011-12.

He said BISP was the flagship programme, which besides providing financial assistance to the poor includes health insurance and loan to help low income people start their own business.

The government has taken several other measures to provide relief to the low income and vulnerable groups of the society.

He said government would also provide targeted subsidy to the low income people through Utility Stores Corporation by providing various commodities including sugar, ghee, rice, gram pulse, moong pulse and flour on 10 percent discount rates.

The Minister said that government would open up 2,000 utility stores outlets to provide relief to 3.5 million poor people.