KARACHI, Oct 15: Nazim Karachi, Naimatullah Khan, has said that handicapped persons are an important segment of society, and it is their right that they be extended all possible help and patronage.

“The city district government will provide all possible help to handicapped persons within the laid down rules and regulations”, the Nazim said, while addressing a White Cane Safety Day function organized by the Pakistan Association of the Blind here at a hotel.

He announced the institution of a talent award in the name of the blind Sahabi (companion of the Holy Prophet, Peace Be Upon Him), Hazrat Abdullah Ibn-i-Makhtoom to be given every year to the most talented blind student.

Naimatullah said the city government will consider the launch of a residential scheme for the handicapped, and efforts will be made to provide them better travelling facilities in the CNG buses to be launched in Karachi in the coming days.

He pointed out that at present, there is a ban on government employment, but the quota fixed for special people in government jobs would be strictly implemented when the ban is lifted.

The City Nazim said the city government is considering the establishment of a bus terminal to bring improvement in the traffic system. These terminals will also have PCOs which would be allocated to handicapped persons, so that they could earn a respectable livelihood.

He said the city government wants to do much for the handicapped, but resource constraint comes in the way.

However, he added, we consider their help and encouragement as our responsibility.—APP