Alvi calls for meeting needs of differently-abled persons

President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the skills of differently-abled persons should be developed to bring them so that they play their vital role in the development of the country.

He expressed these views while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of upgraded complex of Al-Shifa Trust, Special School & Rehabilitation Centre on Tuesday.

He emphasised that there was a need for mainstream schools and skills development programmes for differently-abled persons.

Appreciating the organisations for hiring differently-abled persons, the president asserted that jobs should be created for them as they need jobs, not charity.

The president said differently-abled persons are unable to join their family members in activities like going to markets and other places because of non-availability of wheelchairs and other facilities. The availability of wheelchairs is being ensured at malls and market in Karachi and Islamabad, he added.

The president said, society including philanthropists should come forward and extend all kinds of support to these persons as they are the integral part of society and need care and attention.

The president mentioned that the government has sanctioned Rs2,000 per month for the special persons under 'Ehsaas' programme.

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Alvi said that universities had been directed to play their role in providing physical access to differently-abled persons in schools, colleges and universities. Universities have been directed not to charge fees from special persons.

Alvi appreciated the efforts taken by PIA for running the schools for special children.

Addressing the ceremony, PIA Chief Executive Officer, Air Marshall Arshad Malik urged the society to come forward in fund raising to support the special cause. He further informed that Al-Shifa was the flagship set up of PIA commenced as a social welfare agency in 1967 in collaboration with Civil Aviation and converted into Al-Shifa Trust in 1981.

A beautiful Tableau was presented by special children of Al-Shifa Trust at the end of the ceremony. The ceremony was attended by foreign diplomats, MPAs and dignitaries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2021.