PESHAWAR, Dec 2: The NWFP Minister for Zakat, Ushr and Social Welfare, Hafiz Hashmat Khan, has said the MMA government has done a lot for the welfare of special people as compared to previous governments in the province.

“We are committed to doing more for the disabled people, who have been ignored in the past,” he said while addressing a press conference at the provincial Information department here on Saturday.

Mr Hashmat lauded the role of the Provincial Council for Disabled People “which has been working with great enthusiasm and spirit”.

As many as 23 institutions were working for the welfare of the mentally-retarded, deaf, blind and other handicapped persons in various parts of the province, he said. A department in the Khyber Teaching Hospital had been set up for preparing artificial organs, he added.

The minister said that from 1991 to 2002, only Rs2.6 million had been spent on special people, but the MMA government not only increased the grant but also spent Rs20 million on purchase of wheelchairs, tricycles and sewing machines. A hefty amount was also distributed among deserving handicapped persons, he said.Not just the provincial government, but the local ones also earmarked a huge amount for the welfare of special people, he said.

“The provincial government is planning to set up a separate residential colony for special people and the government will soon release funds,” he said.