Disability quota violations not to be tolerated: Malik Liaqat Khan

ABBOTTABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jul, 2026) Adviser to the Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Zakat and Ushr, Social Welfare, Special education and Women Development, Malik Liaqat Khan on Thursday said that appointments made in violation of the disability quota would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those involved if proved.

He was addressing an open public forum held at the District Social Welfare Office in Abbottabad.

The forum was attended by officials of the Social Welfare, Zakat, Education and Benazir Income Support Programme, along with persons with disabilities, members of the transgender community, minority representatives and civil society organizations.

Participants highlighted issues including recruitment under the disability quota, establishment of a school for visually impaired girls in Hazara, transport facilities, monthly financial assistance, market access for handicrafts and the transfer of visually impaired teachers to nearby schools. The Transgender Association also sought action against the harassment of registered transgender persons and requested a regional support centre.

Addressing the participants, Malik Liaqat Khan said the provincial government would introduce a clear framework for safeguarding the rights of women with disabilities and allocate funds in the next budget for establishing Zamung Kor and rehabilitation centres.

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He added that handicraft centres would be upgraded to help people become economically self-reliant instead of depending on charity.

The adviser directed the Social Welfare and Zakat Department to prepare village council-level data on persons with disabilities, widows, orphans and other vulnerable groups to improve welfare delivery. He added that efforts were underway to resolve delays in Non-Government Organizations' registration and banking issues, while emphasizing that the department would be transformed into a model institution focused on empowerment rather than financial assistance alone.

Earlier, District Social Welfare Officer, Syed Sabir Shah briefed the adviser on departmental performance, challenges and vacant posts, while Zakat officials presented details of welfare initiatives, including the Umeed Card, Sahara Card and dowry assistance schemes. Malik Liaqat Khan later visited Dar-ul-Aman Abbottabad and Zamung Kor Havelian to review facilities and check the concerns of residents and staff.