KP announces relief package for PWDs, orphans and widows

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a comprehensive financial relief package for persons with disabilities, orphans and widows across the province. Speaking at a Khuli Kachehri held for differently-abled citizens in Swabi, KP Chief Minister's Advisor on Social Welfare, Zakat and Ushr Malik Liaquat Ali Khan outlined several welfare initiatives included in the current Annual Development Programme (ADP). Under the Ehsaas Umeed Card Programme, 10,000 eligible persons with disabilities will receive a monthly stipend of Rs5,000. A separate card-based initiative will provide Rs5,000 per month to eligible orphans and widows. The advisor said the financial assistance would be deposited directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and physical inconvenience. Registration services will also be provided at applicants' doorsteps. The provincial government has allocated Rs500 million for an interest-free Ehsaas Loan Programme to help differently-abled individuals establish small businesses and achieve sustainable livelihoods. Meanwhile, Rs700 million has been allocated for the Ehsaas Scholarship Programme for differently-abled students, aimed at supporting higher education and skills development. The KP government has also reserved a special quota for persons with disabilities under the provincial Dowry Fund to help reduce the financial burden on families. Malik Liaquat Ali Khan said immediate relief would also be provided through spot grants to deserving citizens. During the Swabi assembly, an elderly person with a disability was given an immediate grant of Rs50,000. The initiatives are aimed at providing financial support, improving access to education and promoting economic independence among vulnerable segments of society across the province. Tags: announcesreliefpackagepwdsorphanswidows