MANSEHRA: The privately-owned Helping Hand Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences will be upgraded as the country’s first university in the field of rehabilitation sciences, said principal Dr Keramatullah on Wednesday.

He was speaking to former captain of Pakistani women cricket team Sana Mir, who visited the HHIR.

The principal and institute director Dr Bahadur Shah briefed Ms Mir about courses, facilities, students, accomplishments and future plans.

The former skipper, who visited various sections of the facility, said she was pleased to see young men and women get education in the field of rehabilitation sciences and prosthetics. She said the people with disabilities suffered a lot for being unable to afford healthcare.

“You [institute] are not only preparing doctors for the rehabilitation field but also helping the people with disabilities stand on their own feet,” she said.

Ms Mir said the country lagged behind in the field of rehabilitation sciences, so the institution should be supported to further the cause of rehabilitation sciences.

HONOURED: The district administration on Wednesday honoured three young residents, including a girl, during a special ceremony here for showing outstanding performance in the Superior Services Examinations (CSS) in 2020.

“I have no words to appreciate your success as your achievement has not only brought a good name to our district but has also set an example for other youngsters,” deputy commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan told the ceremony in his office. The ceremony was also attended among others by additional deputy commissioner Maqbool Hussain.

Dr Qasim gave away the admiration shields to successful CSS exam candidates Zainab Khalid, Kamal Mushtaq and Fahad Zia. He said for the first time, two sons and a daughter of the soil passed the CSS examinations with distinction.

On the occasion, Zainab Khalid said it was a great honour for her family and the people of the district that she became the first police officer. She said she would work for the women’s betterment.

Fahad Zia said he would serve the country wholeheartedly as it was a dream which came true through hard work and parents’ prayers. Kamal Mushtaq said his father motivated him to become an officer of the Civil Services of Pakistan.

He said he worked hard and achieved the distinction in first CSS exam attempt.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2021