Pakistan to issue the disabled special ID cards

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SRINAGAR — Disabled people in Pakistan will be issued identity cards starting this month that will qualify them for special benefits, the government announced on July 30.

The initiative was taken by the Ministry for Social Welfare and Special Education in collaboration with the National Authority for Database and Registration Authority.

The identity cards will carry a unique logo and will entitle beneficiaries to claim incentives and packages meant for them.

“We are committed to the cause of persons with disabilities and facilitating the maximisation of their contributions to progress and development of the country,” said Social Welfare Minister Samina Khalid Ghurki.

Bearers of such ID cards will get concessions on travel fares and free medical treatment in public sector hospitals.

Gurkhi affirmed the initiative will go a long way to empower physically challenged people in the country. “Once empowered, I am hopeful these people will be able to contribute effectively towards the progress of Pakistan,” he said. On July 24, the government approved a 50 percent discount in air and rail fares for the disabled, and the concessions are likely to be implemented in the fall. The government has also established a 2 percent quota for the disabled in government jobs and education.

Pakistan’s 2008 Statistical Year Book says the number of disabled people in the country is 3.2 million, or about 2.3 percent of the population.