On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the distribution of Himmat Cards among 29,768 eligible special children across Punjab has commenced as part of a major welfare initiative aimed at empowering children with special needs.
In line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Special Education Department has launched a comprehensive programme to promote the welfare, independence and social inclusion of special children.
A Himmat Card distribution ceremony was held at the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence in Okara, where Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Special Education, Sania Ashiq, attended as the chief guest. Accompanied by the Secretary and Director General of Special Education, she formally inaugurated the distribution of the cards.
Addressing the ceremony, Sania Ashiq said that Himmat Cards would be distributed among 29,768 eligible special children across Punjab, while 96 students of the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence, Okara, received their cards during the inaugural ceremony.
She said that the Punjab government was extending various facilities to special children, including Himmat Cards, assistive devices, nutritious food and therapy services.
The Special Assistant announced that satellite campuses of autism schools would be established in every division of Punjab to enable special children to access assessment and therapy services closer to their homes.
She further stated that the provincial government was providing fortified biscuits and protein-enriched milk on a daily basis to 45,000 special children across Punjab.
“Our endeavour is to provide the best possible facilities to these children. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and her team share the same concern and compassion for these children as their parents do,” she said.
Sania Ashiq described the Himmat Card as a significant welfare initiative of the Chief Minister aimed at promoting the independence, confidence and economic well-being of special children. She said the facilities available at the Centre of Excellence were comparable to the best institutions and reflected the government’s commitment to inclusive education and rehabilitation.
She added that the Himmat Card had emerged as a symbol of confidence, dignity and self-reliance for special children and was helping them move towards a more independent and honourable life.
The Special Assistant further said that the Himmat Card initiative was proving to be an important milestone in ensuring protection, confidence and a better future for special children.