KARACHI, Oct 13: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) is going to issue special computerised national identity cards to the disabled.

These cards would be provided to disabled persons on a normal cost and special insignia on them would help authorities to identify genuine disabled persons for the provision of concessions in transport fares and other facilities.

Prof Shahid Ahmed Memon, chairman of the Pakistan Disabled Foundation (PDF), addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club here on Saturday, said: “Nadra asked us to pay more for these cards but on the recommendations of the NCRDP and the PDF, these cards would be provided on a normal cost. The extra amount of Rs7 per card would be provided by the NCRDP.”

He urged the government to solve the individual and collective problems of disabled persons.

He said that the Foundation had continued to approach the authorities concerned in the government and the private sector to give the disabled their due status in the society.

He said the PDF would organise a function to observe the White Cane Day (falling on Oct 15 ) at a local hotel on Oct 18 to highlight the importance of the white cane in the society.

“The white cane is a symbol of the safety of the blind. It creates confidence in the visually impaired people. So its importance should be acknowledged,” he said.

He said owing to lack of cooperation by officials the majority of disabled persons were facing hardships. The media, he said, could play an effective role for the promotion of the rights of the disabled.

He appealed to the authorities to include representatives of the disabled in all the government institutions shaping polices for the disabled in the country.

He regretted that although the government had fixed 2% quota in all kinds of employment in the government and the private sector for the disabled, yet the quota was not observed anywhere in the country.— PPI/APP