A group of concerned individuals including those with physical disabilities gathered here on Saturday evening to formally launch "Organisation for the Welfare of Special Persons' (OWSP) with the basic motive to build a network of NGOs working for the cause of physically impaired members of the society.
K.M Tajuddin, a visually impaired senior citizen of the city designated as the President of OWSP speaking on the occasion regretted lack of political will to help solve problems of the special individuals.
According to him while problems of disabled and special people seem to be generally unattended yet there happened to be several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), working for the latter's cause hence it was high time develop meaningful co-ordination among groups genuinely involved in the upliftment of the segment capable enough to contribute towards the society.
Anadil Rashdi, the designated General Secretary of OWSP underscored need for networking of relevant NGO so that people may be adequately guided to avail services offered by them and also to expand activities meant for welfare, education and training of impaired individuals based across the country including its remote and rural sectors.
She on the occasion also read out the aims and objectives of OWSP, which included upgradation of the life quality of disable and special persons and children and their dependents.
OWSP was said to take upon itself helping the government to fill up its allocated quota of 2 percent of all jobs that have been reserved for the disabled besides striving to ensure similar provision in the autonomous and semi-government organisations.
Extension of help to the government and its departments in executing various schemes and programme designed for the welfare of disabled and special persons was also one of the objectives.
It would also provide gadgets and equipment, including artificial limbs, cornea replacements, hearing aids and special treat to minimise their trauma and speed up their rehabilitation.
OWSP was said to contribute in arranging special facilities for the disabled and special people and children in public transport, air and train travel, public toilets etc.
According to Anadil Rashdi its aims and objectives further included establishment of educational institutions, health clinics that may provide free medical treatment, vocational training centres, social clubs and libraries, to promote interaction between special people and general members of the society ultimately helping the latter to have a better quality of life.
Provision for financial help to maintain and rehabilitate themselves was another important motive of OWSP.
Under this establishment of income generating projects for special people and their dependents was envisaged.
It was stated that all special people would be helped irrespective of their age, colour, caste and creed, provided they are bonafide citizens of Pakistan.
Maintaining that the organisation will be a non-political, non-sectarian, non-profit voluntary social welfare organisation, the OWSP General Secretary said that for the furtherance of these objectives the organisation may co-operate and collaborate with other organisations of a similar nature.
The session was also addressed by Haleem Sharar of the Institute of Ethics and Culture who referred to a recently conducted survey mentioning that a large majority of NGOs working for the cause of rehabilitation of impaired citizens lacked adequate capacities and capabilities.
The activist observed that in the given situation close co-ordination and co-operation among such organisations can actually help those in much need of above mentioned support and assistance.
Other participants including individuals who despite their disabilities have been able to lead an active and considerable independent lives urged that such individuals may not be looked down upon with pity but steps be taken with due consideration towards their dignity and talent.