POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah Pledges CNICs for Visually Impaired, Approves Grant and Transportation Facilities
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Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Friday that the Sindh provincial government will collaborate with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) to issue computerised national identity cards (CNICs) that reflect visual impairments. This initiative was revealed during a meeting at the CM House with a delegation from the Pakistan Association of the Blind, Sindh.
During the meeting, the delegation emphasized the importance of CNICs that accurately represent their visual impairment. CM Shah assured them that he would liaise with Nadra to resolve this issue promptly.
In addition to addressing the CNICs concern, CM Shah approved a Rs16 million grant for the association and announced the provision of vehicles to facilitate the transportation of visually impaired children to and from school.
“We are committed to implementing the five percent quota in government jobs for differently-abled persons,” CM Shah stated, reaffirming his administration's dedication to supporting all differently-abled individuals.
The delegation, led by association president Riaz Memon, highlighted past support from President Asif Ali Zardari and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, which included a concession card for travel. This support, however, had lapsed with the change of government. In response, CM Shah approved the Rs16 million annual grant and instructed the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) Secretary Tauha Farooqi to expedite the formal approval process.
Furthermore, the delegation requested transport facilities for their centers in Larkana and Karachi. CM Shah approved two vehicles to ensure visually impaired children can travel safely between their homes and educational centers.
The CM also mentioned that special facilities for the visually impaired would be included in the upcoming Inclusive City project and assured the association that they would be consulted during the development phase.
The Pakistan Association of the Blind expressed gratitude for the CM's unwavering support and commitment to the differently-abled community.