For a cause: Former FC soldier aims to help people with disabilities

Demands govt provide financial help to establish a centre to them

PESHAWAR: A former Frontier Corps officer plans to establish an organisation to help tribespeople suffering from disabilities due to war and acts of terrorism.

While addressing a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, Niaz Bahadur Afridi said, “The centre will be named Niaz Disabled Organisation. I am ready to donate my property to establish a centre for the special people of Khyber Agency.”

He added that the number of people with disabilities in tribal areas is more than other parts of the country. Unfortunately, there is no organisation for their rehabilitation.”

“I am ready to donate the pension I receive from Frontier Corps.” He demanded the government provide a special financial package to establish such a centre in the region to help the affected people.

The former FC man said ambulances have been arranged and wheelchairs were distributed among the victims. These were provided by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

“Due to the lack of funds, my efforts are limited only to Khyber Agency.”

On the occasion, he urged the government to conduct survey of the tribal areas and establish a trauma centre for the psychological rehabilitation of a large number of people with disabilities. “Now that peace has been restored, there is a need to bring out the people from trauma.”

Niaz Bahadur belongs to Mehrban village in Tirah Valley, Khyber Agency. He joined Mewand Rifles FC in Balochistan on July 6, 1993 and served there till 2001 when he was injured in a bomb blast in the Kanan village in Kohlu, Balochistan. After the incident, he was bed-ridden for two years and spent his savings and compensation on treatment and other expenses.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.