Welfare initiatives for disabled, vulnerable people announced in Upper Chitral

DLP Report PESHAWAR Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Malak Liaqat Ali Khan has announced a series of welfare initiatives for persons with disabilities, widows and orphans in Upper Chitral, including a social welfare complex, a Dar-ul-Aman and a medical board for disability assessment. The minister made the announcements during a visit to Upper Chitral on the special directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, said a handout. Mr Khan met heads and representatives of various line departments at the Deputy Commissioner's Office before holding a Khuli Kachehri for persons with disabilities, widows and orphans. Participants highlighted several issues, including the absence of a permanent District Social Welfare Officer, lack of a Dar-ul-Aman and inadequate facilities for special education and vocational training. They also demanded special grants, sports facilities, a medical board for persons with disabilities, grants for mass marriages and establishment of a training centre. The minister said the purpose of his visit was not merely a photo session but to resolve public issues through practical measures. He announced that the process for appointing a District Social Welfare Officer in Upper Chitral would begin immediately after his return to Peshawar. He also announced establishment of a Social Welfare Complex for persons with disabilities, which would provide vocational training, sports, healthcare, employment and special education facilities. Mr Khan said practical steps would also be taken to establish a Dar-ul-Aman in the district. Under the Ehsaas Umeed Programme, he said, the Social Welfare Department would conduct a door-to-door survey to identify persons with disabilities and ensure that they received maximum benefits from the programme. The minister also announced that a Medical Board would be established in Upper Chitral to assess persons with disabilities, eliminating the need for them to travel to Lower Chitral for medical examinations. Later, Mr Khan visited the Social Welfare Office, where officials briefed him on departmental affairs and problems faced by the office. He also visited the Press Club Upper Chitral and heard the concerns of local journalists. He said press clubs played an important role in highlighting public issues and assured the journalist community that he would raise their concerns with the chief minister. The minister said he would also coordinate with Deputy Speaker of the provincial assembly Suraya Bibi to seek measures for improving and upgrading the Press Club. Mr Khan said he was determined to take practical steps within his portfolio for the development of Upper Chitral and welfare of persons with disabilities and other deserving sections of society. He thanked the district administration for its cooperation and arrangements during his visit. Earlier, the minister was received by Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Additional Assistant Commissioner Morkhoo/Torkhoo and other officials. A contingent of Upper Chitral Levies presented him with a guard of honour at the Deputy Commissioner's Office. Director Social Welfare Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Saleh and the minister's principal staff officer Bacha Khan were also present.