Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has accorded assent to The Senior Citizens Welfare Bill 2014. After the signatures of governor, the Bill has become The Senior Citizens Welfare Act 2014. It will apply across the province and shall come into force at once.
According to the Act, a council for welfare of senior citizens would be established headed by the minister social welfare department. Two members of Sindh Assembly, secretary finance, secretary health, secretary local government, secretary transport, secretary food and agricultural, secretary zakat and ushr, two representatives from amongst well known NGOs (one from social welfare and one from human rights sectors), two senior citizens from civil society (one retired civil servant , and one businessman), one retired sessions judge or additional sessions judge would be the members of the council and secretary social welfare would act as member/secretary of the council. Its head office would be in Karachi with district wise offices.
The council will formulate policies for the welfare and improving the well being of senior citizens. It would also issue senior citizens card (Azadi Card) to them. It will also build lodging establishments and homes for senior citizens and would ensure their participation in related fields. It will provide 25 per cent concession at all private hospitals, medical centres and clinics, 50 per cent concession in fares in road transport and 25 per cent discount on purchase of goods, drugs, medicines, and essential commodities for personal use of senior citizens. It will also ensure 25 per cent discount on recreation centres, cinemas, theatres, visiting places including hotels, motels, resorts, restaurants, food points and lodging establishments and would provide free services for funeral and burial on death of senior citizens.