LANDIKOTAL: Like other parts of the world, international day of persons with disabilities was also observed in Pakistan and several functions and events were held to create awareness in this regard.
Events in this regard were also organised in Khyber tribal district and Nowshera which were participated by a large number of people.
President of differently abled persons in Landikotal Nazir Afridi and senior vice president Qari Anwar Jamal Afridi said while talking to TNN that hundreds of differently abled persons in Khyber tribal district did not get any assistance from the government even on international day of persons with disabilities. He said due to lack of patronage and help from the government, the difficulties of differently abled persons are increasing.
Qari Anwar Jamal Afridi said the government must immediately start monthly stipend for differently abled persons besides other financial assistance. He said job quota of differently abled persons must also be increased and they must be imparted different skills to earn their livelihood with dignity. If this was not done, he said, the differently abled persons will observe black day and then stage protests which will continue till acceptance of demands.
The area people also demanded Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri, Senator Al-Haaj Taj Muhammad Afridi, Deputy Commissioner Mehmood Aslam Wazir and other high-ups to announce monthly stipend for differently abled persons of Khyber district to reduce their difficulties.
A function in connection with international day for persons with disabilities was also organised in Nowshera by the district administration in collaboration with a welfare organisation.
The organisers said the purpose of the event was to assure the differently abled persons that they can also lead life like normal healthy persons and they can excel in every walk of life.
Assistant Commissioner Hajira Sami was the chief guest at the function. She said the district administration will fully support the differently abled persons and will resolve their problems on priority basis.
At the end of the event, warm suits and other equipment was distributed among the differently abled persons. The differently abled persons thanked the district administration for assistance.