On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Advisor to the CM on Social Welfare, Special Education, Ushr, Zakat and Women Empowerment, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, on Wednesday conducted a detailed visit to Mardan. He inspected the Special Education Complex, Dar-ul-Aman, and the Drug Rehabilitation Centre. Secretary Social Welfare Sharif Hussain accompanied him during the visit.
Drug Rehabilitation Centre Faces Scrutiny
During the visit, the Advisor reviewed the medical, rehabilitation and welfare services being provided to patients at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre. He met with patients, inquired about their well-being, and obtained first-hand information regarding the quality of treatment, accommodation, food and other facilities. Expressing serious dissatisfaction over the poor performance and administrative irregularities, Malik Liaqat Ali directed the immediate suspension of the officer incharge of the facility. He also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into alleged violations of rules and regulations and instructed the Secretary Social Welfare to submit a detailed investigation report at the earliest to enable legal action against those found responsible.
Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor said that effective rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals is among the government’s key priorities. He emphasized that transforming recovering addicts into healthy, dignified and productive members of society is a fundamental responsibility of the Social Welfare Department. He made it clear that negligence, maladministration or incompetence in public welfare institutions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Dar-ul-Aman Mardan Inspection
Later, the Advisor visited Dar-ul-Aman Mardan, where he reviewed residential, food, healthcare, protection, legal aid, psychological counselling and rehabilitation services provided to women residing at the facility. He inspected various residential and administrative sections, met with residents and inquired about their well-being. During the inspection, he examined the staff attendance register and took notice of the prolonged absence of a vocational teacher, ordering an inquiry into the matter. He directed relevant authorities to ensure all necessary measures are taken to provide a safe, dignified and supportive environment for women at Dar-ul-Aman.
Officials informed the Advisor that Dar-ul-Aman Mardan currently houses 28 women, while a total of 5,142 women have received shelter, protection and rehabilitation services since the establishment of the institution.
Special Education Complex Mardan
Malik Liaqat also visited the Special Education Complex Mardan, where he was briefed in detail about educational, vocational, rehabilitation and support services provided to children with special needs. The Advisor was informed that the complex currently provides free quality education to 430 students with special needs, while a total of 3,839 children have benefited since its establishment. The Vocational Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities is currently imparting vocational skills to 85 special students, whereas 719 individuals have completed technical training at the centre since its inception.
The Advisor was further informed that children with visual and hearing impairments are being provided free educational facilities in line with modern educational standards.
Government Priorities and Directives
Addressing officials, Malik Liaqat Ali said that providing quality education, rehabilitation, vocational training and other essential facilities to persons with disabilities is among the top priorities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. He directed concerned authorities to further simplify, streamline and make the registration process for persons with disabilities more transparent and citizen-friendly so that the maximum number of deserving individuals could benefit from government services.
