ISLAMABAD, Sep 27: Peshawar has been declared as one of five disabled-friendly cities in the country and necessary modifications in the existing infrastructure are under way in collaboration with the CDA and provincial/district governments.

The other four cities are Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Quetta.

Sources said the ministry of social welfare and special education is working on several projects to promote a culture that would allow full use of the potential of disabled persons by bringing them in mainstream.

In this regard, the ministry has been organising a number of dialogues and seminars to finalise recommendations for design manual, model projects and building bye-laws report for creation of barrier-free environment for challenged persons, sources said here on Wednesday.

The sources further said that a National Plan of Action-2006 had been launched for effective implementation of the policy for the welfare of disabled persons.

They said that one of the major thrust areas of this plan was a Disabled-friendly physical environment, which included physical access, transportation, communication and employment.

When asked the sources said it was the right of the special people to have access to all public building, parks, transport and public places, adding, that this would facilitate their integration in the society to become useful member of the society.

Officials said the ministry had also launched a project entitled “Design Manual and Mode Projects” for creation of barrier-free culture for the persons with disabilities and directed all concerned to ensure provision of facilities for persons with disabilities in all new projects.—APP