Khyber Pakhtunkhwa announces relief measures for persons with disabilities

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government has introduced several relief measures to improve accessibility and services for persons with disabilities. During a special Open Court held in Shangla, Advisor to the Chief Minister for Social Welfare, Ushr and Zakat and Women Development, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, announced that individuals with disabilities will no longer be required to pay fees for OPD slips at government hospitals.

Additional measures include the reservation of special seats in public transport and a 50 per cent concession on fares. The government is also working to enhance rehabilitation services, including the activation of a rehabilitation centre in Shangla. To better support these initiatives, the social welfare department has begun collecting comprehensive data on persons with disabilities within the district.

The Open Court allowed residents to present grievances directly to the adviser and district administration. Participants raised concerns regarding the shortage of specialized schools, difficulties in obtaining Himmat, Sahara, and Ehsaas cards, and the need for better implementation of the 2 per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities. Malik Liaqat Ali Khan directed officials to resolve the raised issues on a priority basis.