Federal Social Welfare and Special Education Minister Nawabzada Muhammad Khan Hoti has said the present government is committed to the well-being and protection of elderly population and would continue pursuing this cause with the same zeal and spirit.
"As Pakistan stands amongst the international community to celebrate International Citizens Day on October 1, we affirm our commitment and determination for welfare and protection of senior citizens," he said. In a message issued here on the occasion of International Senior Citizens Day falling on October 1, he said Islam enjoins upon us the sacred task of care, welfare and protection of elderly population especially old parents and grand parents.
"As an Islamic Republic, we are under obligation to give due status to our aged population by extending welfare and protection services for them without any discrimination of religion, sex, caste, creed and social status," the minister added.
Hoti said the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education has been entrusted with the responsibility to carry out analysis of ageing, identification of needs and introduce a comprehensive legislation in line with international standards for the welfare of senior citizens.
"As a step towards the cause of elderly population, the ministry was also endeavouring to set up an institutional mechanism for their well-being," he said and added to finalise this institutional set-up, participatory process was adopted to cover the aspirations of all stakeholders that includes ministries, provincial governments and civil society organisations.
He said following this achievement, the ministry will introduce first ever comprehensive National Policy and Plan of Action for Senior Citizens. The minister said under Social Services (Medical) Projects of the ministry, special counters have been established in federally-administered hospitals at Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Fana, and Fata that extend special care and assistance to elderly population.
Free medicines out of Zakat funds are also provided through these projects, he added. He also appreciated the endeavours of provincial governments on the establishment of old home for senior citizens and launch of monthly stipend programmes for them.
"Last but not least, I would like to appreciate endeavours of UN agencies, international organisations, NGOs and representatives of elderly persons for well-being of senior citizens and related issues," the minister added.