The Cantonment Board Abbottabad, in collaboration with the Disabled Welfare Association, has distributed modern, high-quality wheelchairs among men, women and children with disabilities as part of a nationwide welfare initiative operating through 17 centres.
A special ceremony was held at the Cantonment Board, where Chief Executive Imran Khan distributed the wheelchairs, worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, among beneficiaries.
The event was attended by Disabled Welfare Association Chairman Javed Raees, General Secretary Babar Khan, Tariq Khan Tanoli, Haroon Khan Tanoli, Seth Abbas Shabbir, as well as persons with disabilities and their families.
Speaking at the ceremony, Imran Khan said persons with disabilities deserved greater attention and support from society. He praised the association for providing wheelchairs to children, including those of Cantonment Board employees and other members of the public.
He also announced that children with disabilities would receive free medical treatment and vocational training at the Cantonment Board General Hospital and Vocational Training School.
Javed Raees, recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz and founder of the Disabled Welfare Association, travelled from Karachi to attend the event. He proposed that the government or philanthropists provide land for establishing a modern rehabilitation centre in Abbottabad, similar to the facility in Karachi, to serve persons with disabilities across the Hazara region.
Association General Secretary Babar Khan said the wheelchairs were manufactured with the support of an American organization at a cost of Rs105,000 each and met international quality standards.
He said the association was providing the wheelchairs free of charge through its 17 centres across the country.
During the event, Tariq Khan, representing the association, gave a detailed briefing to the Cantonment Board’s Chief Executive.
Dr. Mian Amir Sohail and Dr. Mushtaq Khan Tanoli also addressed the gathering and pledged their full support for persons with disabilities.