PESHAWAR: The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has formally launched a province-wide Ehsaas Umeed Programme, an initiative designed to support individuals with severe disabilities across the province.
Under the newly introduced scheme, 10000 persons with significant disabilities will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 each.
The programme, which covers the period from January to June 2026, will cost the provincial government a total of Rs. 300 million during the current fiscal year.
As part of another welfare initiative, the provincial government has also handed over 23 newly procured vehicles to the Director of Social Welfare, aimed at providing free transport facility to students enrolled in the 54 special education institutions operating under the administrative control of the Social Welfare Department. These vehicles have been purchased at a total cost of Rs. 377 million.
A ceremony marking the formal launch of Ehsaas Umeed and the inauguration of the transport fleet was held at the Special Education Complex in Hayatabad with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi as the chief guest.
On this occasion, the chief minister was given a briefing regarding Ehsaas Umeed Programme. It was told that the selection of eligible recipients will be carried out through the Zakat Management Information System (ZMIS). Authorities also detailed the transport initiative, noting that the newly purchased vehicles include 12 mini-buses and 11 Hiace vans, aimed at facilitating daily commute for children enrolled in special education schools.
Under the initiative, the provincial government will also distribute 2,000 electric wheelchairs to persons with disabilities. In addition, 2,500 manual wheelchairs, 800 tricycles, 3,600 sewing machines, 617 hearing aids, 102 white canes, 44 crutches and 96 walkers will also be provided to individuals with disabilities across the province, at a collective cost of Rs. 760 million.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief Afridi emphasised that the compassion and vision of Imran Khan for vulnerable and special-needs communities continue to guide the provincial government’s priorities. He also announced that transport facilities would soon be extended to schools in the merged districts and directed the concerned authorities to ensure the immediate provision of all missing facilities in special education institutions across the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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