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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jan 08 (APP):Former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, has said that caring for special persons is a collective social responsibility, emphasizing that they deserve dignity, respect and support.
He said that looking after vulnerable segments of society reflects the true spirit of a welfare state.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a dignified ceremony in Dera Ismail Khan, organized by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Dera in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, where more than 300 Special Transport Cards for persons with disabilities were issued. On the occasion, 59 tricycles were also distributed and hearing aids were provided to 50 persons with special needs.
Gandapur appreciated the RTA Dera for launching the Special Transport Card for persons with disabilities, calling it a commendable initiative. He said the card would enable special persons to avail a 50 percent concession on public transport, significantly easing their mobility and daily travel.
Highlighting development efforts in the district, he said work on mega projects in Dera Ismail Khan was progressing at a fast pace. He urged upon the citizens to consider these development schemes as their own, acknowledging that while such projects may cause temporary inconvenience, they would bring long-term benefits.
The ceremony was attended by Commissioner Dera Daud Khan, Deputy Commissioner Dera Abdul Nasir Khan, Assistant Commissioner Dera Syed Muhammad Arsalan, Secretary RTA Shoukat Iqbal, President Sahara Center Aamir Suhail Sadozai, Social Welfare Officer Mumtaz Khan, Chairman BOG WASA Nematullah Khan, Assistant Director Zamung Kor Dera Campus Rafiullah Khan and a large number of persons with disabilities.
On Gandapur’s directives, the Social Welfare Department has also provided two tricycles at each transport terminal, while special ramps have been constructed to facilitate persons with disabilities in boarding buses. With these measures, special persons will now be able to travel at half fare.
Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur said that no nation can become truly great unless it changes its mindset towards inclusivity and compassion. He stated that Dera Ismail Khan was emerging as a major city, and encroachments would be removed to ensure smooth execution of mega projects, as such obstructions cause inconvenience to the public. He added that work on flyovers was underway and that an additional Rs 360 million had been provided to the National Logistics Cell (NLC) for these projects.
He further praised Commissioner Daud Khan and Deputy Commissioner Abdul Nasir Khan for closely monitoring development schemes and maintaining coordination with all relevant departments. Concluding his address, he said that collective efforts were essential to serve the region, the province and the country effectively.