The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld an order directing Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) to provide monthly financial assistance to two minor Hindu girls, highlighting the state’s responsibility to support vulnerable children facing financial hardship.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi, along with Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, dismissed a challenge filed by Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal against an order of the Sindh High Court.
Under the high court’s ruling, the two sisters, Jasika and Sanika, were to be registered as regular beneficiaries of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and receive Rs10,000 each per month. The amount was also ordered to increase by 10 percent annually until their marriage.
The case dates back to 2017, when the girls’ father, Ravi Kumar, died by suicide. Their mother, Shrimati Reeta, subsequently sought financial support for her daughters. A family court had directed their grandfather, Ram Raj, to provide maintenance. However, the Sindh High Court later determined that he was not legally responsible for their maintenance under the applicable family law.
The high court nevertheless directed Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal to extend welfare assistance to the children.
In its latest ruling, the Supreme Court clarified that courts can refer deserving individuals to Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal where circumstances indicate a need for welfare assistance. The organisation, however, will assess each case according to its legal framework, eligibility criteria, policies and available resources.
The judgment is expected to provide guidance for future cases involving vulnerable children and families seeking state welfare support.
The decision also underscores the importance of ensuring access to social protection for disadvantaged citizens without discrimination based on religious background. It reinforces the role of welfare institutions in assisting children who lack adequate financial support from their families.