TAXILA: The district administration of Attock on Saturday provided free wheelchairs to 50 special children belonging to the marginalised class of society.

In this regard, a ceremony was held at the social welfare office of Government Asfandyar Bukhari District Hospital. Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza was chief guest.

The ceremony was attended by chairman district health committee Malik Hameed Akbar Khan, Medical Superintendent DHQ hospital Dr Jawad Elahi, Social Welfare Officer Haseeb Khalid, Medical Social Welfare Officer Mohammad Zubair, representatives of INGO - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints - other officials and parents of the children.

The deputy commissioner distributed the wheelchairs among the children and expressed hope that these gifts would help them lead more dignified and comfortable lives.

“This small step may not change the whole world, but it surely changes their world,” he added.

He said the district administration is taking steps to empower differently-able persons and ensure their active participation in social and educational life.

Special children are a vital part of society and deserve equal opportunities to live with dignity.

“We are not doing charity — we are fulfilling our duty as a humane society. These children have dreams, and it is our responsibility to remove barriers that hold them back,” he remarked.

Mr Raza added that a series of initiatives are being implemented in Attock to improve the welfare of special persons, including the establishment of a Special Persons Facilitation Centre, provision of assistive devices, issuance of special identity cards, and creation of job opportunities in both public and private sectors.

Special education schools in the district are also being upgraded to provide better learning and rehabilitation services.

Parents shared their gratitude and joy on the occasion. For many, these chairs meant not just convenience, but liberation, a chance for their children to move, learn and dream freely.

“I never imagined my daughter could go to school without being carried every day. Today, I saw her smile with confidence,” said Arifa Bibi, mother of a 9-year-old girl.

“We are poor people; buying a wheelchair was beyond our means. This gift is like new life for my son,” added Shah Zaman, a daily wage worker.

“For the first time, my child can move around on his own. I can’t express how much this means to us,” said Fatima Batool.

“The district administration has done what many could not — they gave our children dignity,” noted Waris Khan, father of a 12-year-old boy.

“These chairs may seem small to others, but for us, they are wings of hope,” said Kalsoom Begum.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2026