ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has underscored the need for exempting the electric wheel chairs, electric limbs and other accessories from custom duty in order to facilitate the Differently-Abled People (DAPs).

He also emphasized the need for skill development of DAPs and ensuring implementation of disability quota for them in jobs. He said the employment and health needs of DAPs were required to be addressed on priority basis.

According to a press statement issued here on Thursday, the President made these remarks at a briefing, given by Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, Ikramullah Khan, on disability. The Secretary briefed the meeting about the initiatives taken by his Ministry for the welfare of differently-abled peoples.

Addressing the meeting, the President stated that DAPs were facing social and economic challenges and it was the collective responsibility of the government and society to empower them economically by providing them skills, jobs and other necessary facilities.

He asked the Ministry of Human Rights to constitute a committee of experts to define the level of disability in every field. He also emphasized the need to train the teachers for inclusive education of DAPs.