DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will ensure implementation of the two per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities, Chief Minister’s Adviser for Social Welfare, Zakat and Ushr and Women Empowerment Malak Liaqat Ali Khan said on Wednesday. He was speaking at an open court held at the District Social Welfare Office in Malakand to hear and resolve issues faced by persons with disabilities, senior citizens, visually impaired people, widows and orphans, said a handout.
Additional Secretary Social Welfare Umar Rehman, Deputy Commissioner Malakand Mohammad Fayyaz Khan Sherpao, District Social Welfare Officer Sabir Khan and a large number of persons with disabilities attended the open court. Mr Khan said the government was taking steps to improve the welfare of vulnerable segments of society and assured participants that their genuine complaints would be addressed.
He said he was visiting districts on the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to listen to public grievances and facilitate their resolution at people’s doorsteps. He added that the chief minister had directed ministers and advisers to visit districts instead of remaining confined to their offices.
During the open court, participants raised issues related to the Social Welfare and Zakat departments, including demands for financial assistance for medical treatment, wheelchairs, sewing machines and dowry support. Several complaints were addressed immediately, while applications requiring further processing were referred to the relevant authorities.
Mr Khan directed officials to provide wheelchairs and sewing machines to deserving applicants without delay. Applicants seeking medical and dowry assistance were advised to submit their cases to the Zakat Department for necessary processing.
The adviser also announced that the number of beneficiaries under the Umeed Card, Sahara Card and Kushal Card would be increased, along with an enhancement in the financial assistance provided under the programmes.
He said persons with disabilities would also be offered skills training, particularly in carpet weaving, to help them become economically self-reliant and earn a dignified livelihood.
Mr Khan said Rs700 million had been allocated to the Akhuwat Foundation for providing interest-free loans to persons with disabilities, while Rs500m had been earmarked for internship opportunities for them.
During the visit, he handed over the keys of two vehicles to the Malakand Social Welfare Department for schools serving persons with disabilities.
He also announced that a Child Protection Centre would be established in Malakand during the current month.
An elderly citizen was provided Rs50,000 in cash on the spot for medical treatment.
The adviser said data had been sought from all districts to determine the exact number of persons with disabilities, orphans and widows in the province so that sustainable welfare measures could be formulated for their support.
