LAHORE: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed across Punjab on Wednesday, with the Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department, educational institutions, and partner organisations holding events to highlight inclusion and empowerment.
The Social Welfare Department organised seminars, awareness sessions, and distribution drives for wheelchairs and assistive devices across various districts. Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Sohail Shaukat Butt said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, significant steps had been taken this year to advance welfare initiatives for persons with disabilities.
In his message, the minister said the Himmat Card marked a major milestone, offering financial support and sustained assistance to thousands of beneficiaries. He added that a comprehensive programme for providing wheelchairs and assistive devices had been successfully implemented across the province. He noted that the department had expanded its outreach to ensure access to rehabilitation services and was preparing new projects dedicated to uplift and inclusion. Butt also announced that the Chief Minister’s Special Games would be held in December with international participation, and preparations for the event were complete.
Educational institutions in Lahore also held vibrant ceremonies to mark the day. At Punjab University’s Child Welfare Centre (CWC), an event was attended by PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, MPA Syeda Salma Saeed Hashmi, Dr Humaira Bano, Dr Ayesha Wajihullah, faculty members, students, and parents. Special children presented national songs, Sufi Kalam, and cultural performances representing Pakistan’s provinces. Awards were given to children from Surtaal Academy for their Sufi performances.
Speakers emphasized the need for inclusive education, independence, and societal acceptance of persons with disabilities. Earlier, Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat joined a friendship circle at Liberty Chowk, distributed gifts among special children, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading special education centres, launching centres of excellence, and promoting inclusive education across public schools.