ICT parks to become special people-friendly
Parks are supposed to provide clean and healthy environment to people. PHOTO: EXPRESS
For a city which has spent more money on and constructed more square inch of roads than parks over the past decade, the federal capital will now attempt to make the parks more accessible for specially-abled people.
This was discussed during a high-level meeting on Wednesday chaired by President Dr Arif Alvi on the welfare of specially-abled people. The meeting was attended by the secretary of the housing ministry and the chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
During the meeting, Dr Alvi stressed the need for making the specially-abled people active members of the society. A key step in this regard, he observed, was to make the existing structures of the city further inclusive for the specially-abled.
A detailed briefing was also given to the president over the steps taken for the welfare of specially-abled people.
Dr Alvi observed that for the movement of the specially-abled in the federal capital, further improvement was needed.
In this regard, CDA Chairman and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration Chief Commissioner Aamer Ali Ahmed said that specific places will be allocated for the specially-abled in the 235 parks across Islamabad.
Further, specially-abled will be given access to all existing pedestrian paths in the parks, while arrangements for giving them access to footpaths across the city is expected to be completed shortly.
Besides, access ramps will also be constructed in all shopping malls to facilitate these segments of society, he added.
The president appreciated the steps taken by the State Bank of Pakistan for the welfare of special persons.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2020.