Punjab CM launches Rs1bn assistive devices project for disabled

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a groundbreaking project to provide assistive devices to persons with disabilities — an initiative being implemented for the first time in Punjab.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, CM Maryam announced that assistive equipment worth Rs1 billion — including artificial limbs, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids — will be provided free of cost to eligible individuals across the province.

“Special persons will receive customised support based on their needs, including manual and electric wheelchairs, tricycles, walking frames, rollators, mobile toilet chairs, and state-of-the-art hearing aids,” she stated. More than 300 persons with disabilities from across Punjab participated in the ceremony.

CM Maryam proudly shared that Punjab has become the first province in Pakistan to offer rehabilitation through cutting-edge bionic technology, which enables artificial limbs to move using brain signals. The CM also ordered the construction of special ramps in all government buildings across the province to facilitate persons with disabilities. The CM said that elevators had been installed in field hospitals for persons with disabilities. She encouraged individuals suffering from physical impairments to register on the Social Welfare Department’s portal, ensuring that assistive devices could be delivered directly to their homes. Maryam also announced the launch of Pakistan’s largest ration card programme on May 1, under which 1.25 million families will receive Rs10,000 each. Highlighting other ongoing welfare initiatives, she shared that 30,000 houses are being constructed within just five months under the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ project. “No previous government has managed to build even 3,000 houses for the people,” she noted, adding that the goal of constructing 100,000 houses will be achieved by the end of the year. Those without land will be allotted free three-marla plots.