NDF Pakistan Distributes Assistive Devices to Persons with Disabilities in Larkana

LARKANA, Jul 11 (APP): The National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan, with the support of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh, organized a distribution ceremony of assistive devices for persons with disabilities at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Larkana here on Saturday.

          The ceremony was attended by Aijaz Ahmed Laghari, Chairman District Council Larkana, as Chief Guest and Zahida Ghous Kakepoto, Regional Director DEPD Larkana, as Honorary Guest. Representatives of government departments, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society, beneficiaries, and their families also participated.

      Speaking on the occasion, Abid Lashari, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, President NDF Pakistan, stated that assistive devices have the power to transform the lives of persons with disabilities and pave the way for mobility, independence, dignity, education, employment, and meaningful participation in society.

        “Assistive devices are not merely equipment; they are tools of independence and empowerment. Access to appropriate mobility support enables persons with disabilities to overcome barriers and actively contribute to their families, communities, and society,” Lashari said.

       Aijaz Ahmed Laghari, Chairman District Council Larkana, said that the distribution of assistive devices was linked with the celebrations commemorating the birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and reflected her vision of supporting marginalized and vulnerable communities.

          He highlighted that the Government of Sindh has allocated approximately Rs. 800 million for assistive devices for persons with disabilities across Sindh.

    He stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) remains committed to providing all possible support and equal opportunities to marginalized communities.

     Persons with disabilities possess great worth, talent, strength, and the ability to contribute to society. However, opportunities available to them remain limited. It is our collective responsibility to remove barriers and create an inclusive environment where they can realize their full potential,”Laghari said.

           Zahida Ghous Kakepoto, Regional Director DEPD Larkana, and Mr. Saeed Ahmed Jatoi, Deputy Regional Director DEPD, stated that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is committed to engaging and strengthening organizations of persons with disabilities to reach underserved and unreached communities.

        They emphasized that collaboration with local organizations such as NDF Pakistan would help ensure that assistive devices and rehabilitation support reach persons with disabilities living in remote villages, rural areas, towns, and cities, enabling greater mobility, independence, and social inclusion.

         The more than 100 beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Government of Sindh, DEPD, District Council Larkana, and NDF Pakistan for providing assistive devices and supporting their right to independent mobility.

      The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships between government institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society, and local communities to promote accessibility, inclusion, rehabilitation, and equal opportunities throughout Sindh.

       On the occasion Asadullah Bhutto vice chairman District Council, Amna Jamali District President PPP ladies wing, Tariq Hussain Channar Program manager NDF, Dr. Aisha Ghani Wagan, Muhammad Khan Jamali, Zubair Ahmed Tagar and others were also present.