ISLAMABAD: First lady Samina Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Sunday that a special ambulance service will be launched soon for special children to show that the government is committed towards ensuring maximum facilities to this group.
Addressing a function in connection with International Day for the Persons with Disability at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Samina Shahid Khaqan said the word disabled must not be used for special children as they were no less than important assets for the country.
“Special children have proven their importance multiple times by winning medals in various disciplines, including international blind cricket,” she said.
She also said that two-days back the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) State Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry invited her for this event which she refused due to a health ailment, adding that she decided to attend after the minister told her about the importance of the day.
She also paid tribute to Army Public School (APS) martyrs’ parents who were also present on the occasion. She urged the parents to come forward and educate special children to help them become good citizens of the country.
First lady Samina recalled that the prime minister’s brother became handicapped after an unfortunate incident and remained in agony for 14 years before dying. “After his death our home presented a deserted look,” she said.
She said that resources would be provided to special children like others. “Admissions in all schools will be made easily accessible for special children,” she said, adding that special children would also be included in the laptop scheme. “Time scale promotion will also be ensured in departments for special people,” she stressed.
Referring to the demand of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) Chairman Syed Sultan Shah, she said an Urdu software would also be developed soon for the education of special children.
The first lady also said, “I will request the prime minister to meet the special persons delegation soon.” She lauded the efforts of special children, their teachers and their parents in making the country a better place.
On the occasion, CADD State Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that special children needed full attention. “These special children are very talented and have made the country’s name proud at different platforms, including sports,” he said.
He said that, “We are making all-out efforts in providing the best facilities and education to special children.”
At the end, shields were presented to the Samina Shahid, Mariyyum Aurangzeb, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maiza Hameed. PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah and other officials were also present on the occasion.