ISLAMABAD, Sept 24: A national plan of action on special persons will be launched soon, said Federal Minister for Special Education and Social Welfare Zobaida Jalal. Speaking at a foundation-stone laying ceremony of a welfare centre here on Saturday, the minister said the government was in the process of implementing two per cent quota for special persons in jobs.

“A summary has already been sent to the cabinet which is expected to approve it soon and send it to the parliament for legislation,” she added.

She said the government had allocated Rs5 billion for education of special children.

First Lady Sehba Musharraf, who was to be the chief guest, could not attend the function.

The centre, covering a total area of 46,785 square-feet, is being built by a non-government organization at an estimated cost of Rs82.644 million.

The Capital Development Authority has donated Rs21.7 million for the project which will accommodate 300 special children.

The minister praised the chairperson of the NGO, Noori Hashwani, for establishing the centre which would provide integrated facilities of learning and therapy to the special children besides creating public awareness of them.

After inauguration of the ceremony, paintings and drawings of special children were displayed.

The special children also presented a tableau in which they thanked the donors and other people for their support. An enthusiastic dance performance by disabled children was also part of the event.—Samia Khan and Nighat Sana