Most students don’t think twice about going to university as a daily routine. However, for physically disabled students, it can be an enormous challenge due to the lack of necessary facilities in our educational institutions.
Society must empower and facilitate physically disabled individuals for several reasons.
First, it promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities, allowing them to participate fully in various life aspects.
Second, it fosters diversity and encourages a more compassionate and understanding society.
Lastly, it recognizes and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of physical ability.
Prime Minister’s Electric Wheelchair for University Students.
Recently the government took a welcome step by providing electric wheelchairs to a group of physically disabled university students.
On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, a ceremony took place at the HEC Secretariat to distribute electric wheelchairs to university students as part of the final phase of the Prime Minister’s Electric Wheelchair program.
During the ceremony, 50 students were presented with electric wheelchairs. The program was initiated in 2017, where 206 physically challenged university students were provided electric wheelchairs in the first phase.
In the subsequent phase, 159 wheelchairs were distributed among students.
During his speech at the occasion, Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed expressed his admiration for Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.
He acknowledged Ahsan Iqbal’s role in conceptualizing the idea of assisting university students with disabilities by providing electric wheelchairs in 2016-17. Dr. Ahmed also commended the practical measures Ahsan Iqbal took to implement the program.
Dr. Mukhtar mentioned that the HEC had gathered data on physically challenged university students, specifically those facing mobility, visual, and hearing challenges. During the next phase, these students will receive the necessary gadgets and tools to support their needs.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the HEC’s dedication to fulfilling the objectives outlined in the Government’s Vision 2025.
