The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced several measures to improve access to public services for persons with disabilities across the province.
KP Adviser for Social Welfare, Ushr, Zakat and Women Development Malik Liaqat Ali Khan said on Friday that practical steps are being taken to address the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities. He said the provincial government wants to ensure that they can access basic facilities at government offices, hospitals, educational institutions and public transport.
The adviser announced that persons with disabilities will no longer have to pay any fee for OPD slips at hospitals. He also announced special seats for them in public transport along with a 50% concession on fares.
In another step, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan announced the activation of a rehabilitation centre in Shangla. The facility is expected to provide rehabilitation-related support to persons with disabilities in the district.
The announcements were made during a special open court organized by the Social Welfare Department in Shangla. The event was held to hear the complaints and concerns of persons with disabilities and provide them with an opportunity to raise their issues directly with officials.
A large number of people attended the open court and presented their problems to the adviser and district administration. Participants highlighted the shortage of schools for children with disabilities and difficulties in obtaining Himmat Cards, Sahara Cards and Ehsaas Cards.
They also raised concerns about the lack of proper facilities and accessibility arrangements in government offices and hospitals. Participants called for better access to public institutions and requested effective implementation of the 2% employment quota for persons with disabilities.
Malik Liaqat Ali Khan issued instructions for the immediate resolution of several issues raised during the event. He said the remaining complaints would be addressed on a priority basis and directed officials to ensure that persons with disabilities do not face unnecessary difficulties while accessing government services.
The Social Welfare Department also announced a special campaign to collect comprehensive data on persons with disabilities in Shangla. The initiative is intended to help authorities understand the number and needs of people requiring support in the district.
During the visit, a Child Protection Unit established at the Social Welfare Office in Shangla with support from UNICEF was also formally inaugurated.
The provincial government said the measures are part of efforts to improve social welfare services and make public facilities more accessible for persons with disabilities. Further action on the complaints raised at the open court will determine how quickly the announced measures are implemented across the district.
