Peshawar – On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Social Welfare, Special Education, Ushr, Zakat and Women Empowerment, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, on Wednesday paid a detailed visit to Mardan, where he inspected the Special Education Complex, Dar-ul-Aman, and the Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
Secretary Social Welfare Sharif Hussain accompanied him during the visit. During the visit, the Advisor reviewed the medical, rehabilitation and welfare services being provided to patients undergoing treatment at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre. He met with the patients, inquired about their well-being, and obtained first-hand information regarding the quality of treatment, accommodation, food and other facilities being provided.
Expressing serious dissatisfaction over the poor performance of the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, administrative irregularities Malik Liaqat Ali directed immediate suspension of the officer Incharge of the facility. He also directed a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged violations of rules and regulations and instructed the Secretary Social Welfare to submit a detailed investigation report at the earliest so that legal action could be taken against those found responsible.
Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor said that effective rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals is among the government’s key priorities. He said that transforming recovering addicts into healthy, dignified and productive members of society is a fundamental responsibility of the Social Welfare Department. He made it clear that negligence, maladministration or incompetence in public welfare institutions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Later, the Advisor visited Dar-ul-Aman Mardan, where he reviewed the residential, food, healthcare, protection, legal aid, psychological counselling and rehabilitation services being provided to women residing at the facility. He inspected various residential and administrative sections, met with the residents and inquired about their well-being.
During the inspection, he also examined the staff attendance register and took notice of the prolonged absence of a vocational teacher, ordering an inquiry into the matter. He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to provide a safe, dignified and supportive environment for women residing at Dar-ul-Aman.
Malik Liaqat also visited the Special Education Complex Mardan, where he was briefed in detail about the educational, vocational, rehabilitation and support services being provided to children with special needs.
The Advisor was informed that the Special Education Complex Mardan is currently providing free quality education to 430 students with special needs, while a total of 3,839 children have benefited from the institution since its establishment. It was further stated that the Vocational Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities is currently imparting vocational skills to 85 special students, whereas 719 individuals have completed technical training at the centre since its inception.
The Advisor was also informed that children with visual and hearing impairments are being provided free educational facilities in line with modern educational standards.
Officials further informed the Advisor that Dar-ul-Aman Mardan currently houses 28 women, while a total of 5,142 women have received shelter, protection and rehabilitation services since the establishment of the institution.
Addressing the officials, Malik Liaqat Ali said that providing quality education, rehabilitation, vocational training and other essential facilities to persons with disabilities is among the top priorities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. He directed the concerned authorities to further simplify, streamline and make the registration process for persons with disabilities more transparent and citizen-friendly so that the maximum number of deserving individuals could benefit from government services.
