TAXILA: The Punjab chief minister’s ‘Himmat Cards’ were distributed among differently-abled persons here in the Hazro, Attock district, on Wednesday.

The programme designed to empower and uplift the disabled community, will offer quarterly financial aid of Rs10,500 each to registered beneficiaries.

The card was launched at a simple but impressive ceremony held under the auspices of the social welfare department in which member district monitoring committee and former provincial minister Jahangir Khanzada distributed Himmat Cards to eligible individuals.

Addressing the gathering, Jahangir Khanzada praised the initiative, saying:

“The programme marks a historical milestone for Punjab, as it’s the first time disabled individuals are being provided direct financial support. It’s a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity and equality for all,” he said.

He was of the view that Rs10,500 for three months was not enough but the recipients could get some facilities and financial assistance.

He said as many as 946 cards would be distributed among eligible individuals of Attock district out of which 240 would be distributed in Attock, 44 in Hazro, 22 in Hassanabdal, 208 in Fatehjang, 211 in Pindigheb and 221 in Jand.

“The Punjab government is giving Himmat Cards to such differently-abled persons who lack the strength to earn their livelihood,” he added.

He said the people with special needs would also be provided hearing aids, wheelchairs and artificial limbs.

He revealed that the differently-abled people can travel free by using Himmat Card on the Orange Line and Metro Buses of Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director social welfare departmentArif Sohail Siddiqui said Himmat cardholders could conveniently withdraw their aid from any bank through an ATM every three months.

He said the differently-abled people will no longer be a burden on the society and on their families after obtaining the Himmat Card.

He was of the view that the differently-abled people can enroll themselves in the programme by writing a letter to chief minister and the social welfare department.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024