PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Ghulam Ali has said special children require special attention.

Addressing an event organised by the Association for Rehabilitation of Physically Disabled (ARPD) at the Governor’s House on Sunday to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he added: “People with disabilities are part of us and they need our special attention.”

“Special children are close to my heart, and that is why I not only invited them to the Governor’s House, but also personally served them,” a statement issued here quoted him as saying.

Caretaker minister Justice retired Irshad Qaiser, ARPD president Anjum Anwar and around 50 special children participated in the event.

In her address, Ms Qaiser said special children deserved special attention.

In Bajaur, speakers at a function to mark the day called for providing facilities to the differently-abled persons in the tribal district.

The event arranged by Anjuman Bahali Mazooran Bajaur in collaboration with Pakistan Red Crescent Society’s local chapter was held at the Khar ground. Scores of persons with disabilities (PWDs), including women, attended the function.

Additional deputy commissioner Ali Raza, Khar tehsil council chairman Haji Said Badshah, PRCS programme manager Shah Khalid Khan, Anjuman Bahali Mazooran president Bakhtwar Jan and others addressed the event.

Bakhtwar Jan told the participants that there were over 16,000 registered PWDs in Bajaur. However, he said most of them had yet to be provided with wheelchairs by the government.

He said the provincial government had promised to establish a vocational centre in Bajaur for the PWDs several years ago, but to no avail.

In Lower Dir, the district administration and sports department arranged a badminton championship among PWDs at the Mayar badminton hall to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Players from different areas of the district participated in the event.

District sports officer Ibrar Ahmad awarded trophies, medals and cash prizes to the winning, runner-up teams and best players.

Speaking on the occasion, he said sports were vital for PWDs for their physical fitness and reducing stress and strain.

Also, different organisations marked the day in the district by holding functions.

Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) in collaboration with Pakistan Red Crescent Society arranged a function for special children at its Talash rehabilitation centre. Around 200 children participated. Some special children presented speeches on the occasion and got applause from the audience.

A drawing competition was held among special children. The guests distributed shields and prizes among the children.

Meanwhile, Al-Khidmat Foundation and Sada Foundation distributed wheelchairs among 54 special persons during a function held in Timergara.

A wheelchair race was also held on the occasion.

In Bannu, the district chapter of Al-Khidmat Foundation organised a sports gala for the differently-abled persons.

A good number of players with disabilities participated in cricket and basketball matches played at the sports complex. The foundation’s provincial president Khalid Waqas graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The differently-abled players exhibited their sporting skills and received applause from the gamer lovers.

Mr Waqas distributed trophies, medals and cash prizes among the players of the winning and runner-up teams.

He also gave away wheelchairs to PWDs.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2023