Punjab Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched on Thursday the Pakistan’s biggest assistance devices initiative for people with disabilities, with the aim of empowering thousands throughout the province through better mobility and access to essential support equipment.
More than 300 people with disabilities attended the launch ceremony in Lahore, where emotional scenes highlighted the impact of the program. In a moving moment, the prime minister personally escorted a young man, Aqeel, who had lost his arm in an accident, on stage.
Another moving instance saw a child named Sohail to use a neuro-controlled prosthetic arm to move his hand for the first time, causing applause while exchanging a maximum with the main minister.
Speaking at the event, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusion. “People with disabilities are the responsibility of the State, and it is our collective duty to ensure that they have access to all the necessary resources,” he said. “A physical limitation is not equivalent to the lack of skill.”
He praised the Minister of Social Welfare of Punjab, Sohoil Shoukat Butt and his team, describing his work as vital to achieve the social welfare objectives of his government. “You have one of the most important ministries, one with the power to convert this vision into reality,” he said, applauding initiatives such as the Himmat card and DHEE RANI programs.
The main minister also described the accessibility efforts of his administration, noting that all public facilities have been ordered to install ramps for wheelchairs. He urged people with disabilities to register on the government’s social welfare portal for home delivery of mobility aid and other assistance devices.
“I want to reach all the people waiting behind closed doors to appear the state,” he said. “If it’s the Himmat card, Minority card, Dastak programeither Nigehbaan Ramzan packageOur goal is to ensure that everyone receives their due rights. ”
Concluding his direction, Maryam Nawaz said: “I am happy, the power is now in the hands of those who really care. If the leaders have sincere intentions, God provides the means to serve people.”
Previously, Minister Sohoil Shoukat Butt shared details of the RS1 billion program, which will distribute assistance devices, including manual, electric and motorized wheelchairs; tricycles; tri-motors; walking aid; mobile bath chairs; pediatric wheelchairs; and joystick chairs, free of charge in Punjab. Hearing aids and artificial limbs will also be provided according to individual needs.
