QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai has called for giving special attention to the rights of persons with disabilities so that they could be made effective citizens of the country.

The governor was speaking at a conference on the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities here on Monday. The one-day conference was organised by UNHCR-RAHA with collaboration of Socio Pakistan, European Union and the government of Pakistan.

Mr Achakzai said by taking care of the needs of special people they could be made useful citizens. But for this every sections of the society would have to fulfil their responsibilities, he added.

Also read: Financial assistance cards for special people

He called upon members of the civil society to play their role for bringing positive changes in the attitude of people towards special people, adding that the civil society should also work for their rights.

He lauded services of the UNHCR-RAHA for improving the standard of life of persons with disabilities.

He said the media had a great role to play for creating awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities.

The media should give extensive coverage to efforts being taken for the welfare of special people so that people living in far flung areas of Balochistan could know about them.

The governor stressed the need for discouraging the attitude in which special children were considered as a burden on parents, saying that if parents give some extra attention to special children they could improve their abilities.

Appreciating the outstanding performance of Pakistan’s players in the Special Olympic Games, the governor said special people could be made useful citizens if they are given special attention.

He urged the Balochistan government to conduct a district-wise survey to collect data of persons with disabilities and take steps for increasing facilities for them.

He called for giving special concessions to special people in rail and airfares. He announced a grant of Rs3 million for the welfare of persons with disabilities.

UNCHCR head in Quetta Dr Dinesh Shrestha and Maria Khan of National Forum also spoke.

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2015

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