Alkhidmat Foundation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a seminar held at Islamia College University Peshawar, where the President of Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, Professor Dr Hafeez ur Rehman, highlighted the role of persons with disabilities in national development.

He said that persons with disabilities are valuable members of society who continue to turn their limitations into strength. He noted that Alkhidmat has so far distributed more than 52 thousand wheelchairs nationwide, worth 2.5 billion rupees, as part of its long term rehabilitation efforts.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event held in the historic Roos Keppel Hall, Dr Hafeez ur Rehman said Alkhidmat is committed to supporting persons with disabilities through practical and sustainable initiatives. He announced that on this day, Alkhidmat will hold seminars in 23 cities and awareness walks in 45 cities. He added that one thousand wheelchairs will be distributed free of cost across the country.

He said Alkhidmat has extended its humanitarian work beyond Pakistan as well. So far, thirty chartered planes and four cargo ships have delivered more than 55 hundred tons of relief goods to the people of Gaza, valued at over eight and a half billion rupees. He noted that over six thousand people in Gaza have lost their limbs due to the ongoing crisis. If permitted, Alkhidmat intends to establish a facility for artificial limb production near the Gaza or Egypt border in the future.

The seminar was presided over by Vice Chancellor of Islamia College University, Professor Dr Ahmed ur Rehman. President Alkhidmat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khalid Waqas, PEDO CEO Shahabuddin, Alkhidmat Provincial Vice President Arbab Abdul Haseeb, Alkhidmat Women Trust President Nighat Seema and representatives of various organisations also attended the event.

During the ceremony, Dr Hafeez ur Rehman distributed free wheelchairs to 35 persons with disabilities.