ABBOTTABAD, Feb 25: Provincial Zakat and Social Welfare Minister Hafiz Hashmat has said that wheelchairs will be provided to the disabled, especially to those who were handicapped by the Oct 8 earthquake.

He made the announcement while speaking as the chief guest at the ‘Focus’ programme organised by the Abbottabad Union of Journalists at the press club here.

Hafiz Hashmat also said that amendments to the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance were in the final stages as the government desired to provide maximum relief to needy people.

He said the government would establish Darul Kafalas at every district of the province.

About the relief activities carried out by the Zakat and Ushr department, the minister said that Rs200 million had been provided by the federal government for the welfare of the poor and needy people. He announced a grant of Rs50,000 for the Abbottabad Union of Journalists.