Differently abled persons: KP launches Rs370m programme

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday launched a Rs 370 million financial assistance programme to support differently abled persons in the province.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur formally launched the programme at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House, according to a handout.He distributed financial assistance cheques among special persons.

KP Minister for Social Welfare Syed Qasim Ali Shah, members of the provincial assembly, officials of the Social Welfare Department, and special persons attended the event.Under the programme, 37,000 special persons from across the province will receive Rs 10,000 cash each.

Speaking at the ceremony, the chief minister directed that the term “disabled” would no longer be used in official documents. Instead, the term “persons with special abilities” will be adopted.

He emphasized that these individuals possess unique abilities and need opportunities to showcase their potential.Gandapur stated that it is the state’s responsibility to support all vulnerable segments of society, including persons with special abilities.

“Welfare initiatives for vulnerable sections of society are a key part of the vision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan,” he said.“During our tenure, no vulnerable group, including persons with special abilities, will remain without government support. The KP government will take responsibility for the destitute and helpless,” he added.

He further explained that his government is working under a comprehensive strategy to assist the vulnerable segments of society.The chief minister said data on persons with special abilities, widows, orphans, and other deserving individuals is being collected across the province.

To ensure sustainability, all welfare initiatives of the provincial government are being incorporated into the regular budget.Gandapur assured there would be no shortage of financial resources for welfare initiatives and the support of vulnerable groups.

He announced a programme to provide electric wheelchairs to persons with special abilities. In the first phase, electric wheelchairs will be distributed to government employees and students in higher education institutions, followed by distribution to special students in schools in the second phase.

The chief minister noted that the KP government had increased the amount provided under the dowry fund from Rs 25,000 to Rs 200,000 and had doubled the amount given under the Zakat fund.

“We are introducing a Ration Card to assist elderly and widowed women, and a programme for the welfare of orphans and abandoned children is also being initiated,” he said.Additionally, he revealed plans to build a state-of-the-art old-age home for destitute senior citizens, where all necessary facilities will be provided.“For the transgender community, we are establishing shelters where they can live with dignity,” he concluded.