August 12, 2007	Sunday	Rajab 27, 1428

RAWALPINDI, Aug 11: Punjab Governor Lt-Gen (retired) Khalid Maqbool has said that the government is extending all facilities to the physically and mentally challenged persons whose determination and courage to lead a respectable life is commendable.

Mr Maqbool was speaking at a function held under the aegis of the Foundation for Assistance of Special Talent for polishing the abilities of disabled persons, in Rawalpindi on Friday.

Office-bearers of organisations working for special persons, philanthropists and a large number of disabled persons attended the event.

Congratulating the foundation on its new approach and plans, the Punjab governor said the government had provided free facilities of education, training, residence and treatment to the persons who became disabled due to the October 8 earthquake in Azad Kashmir and NWFP, adding that special institutions had been established for this purpose.

He said due to complications during pregnancy children were born with various physical and mental diseases.

He added that free vaccine were being administered to the children to save them from such diseases.

Mr Maqbool said 91 new centres were being established for disabled persons in the Punjab province.

Similarly, two new colleges, a stadium and a gym are also being set up, he added.

According to him, the budget for the welfare of special persons had been increased to Rs1 billion.

Mr Maqbool appreciated the role of private institutions for the welfare of disabled persons, saying that they were rendering invaluable services.

Later, the foundation’s chairman, Malik Yousaf Iqbal, informed the audience about various programmes and steps being undertaken for creating awareness among special persons of their fundamental rights and providing them with opportunities to progress.