Multan: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Multan is a 5,000-year-old city where the traditions of tolerance, peace and service to humanity are still alive. He noted that he studied in a missionary school where all his teachers belonged to the Christian community —an enduring testament to the city’s interfaith harmony.
Gilani recalled that there was a time when women were not even allowed to obtain photo identity cards, yet the Benazir Income Support Programme empowered millions of women by giving them identity, financial security and autonomy. “Today, these women are supporting their families,” he added.
He expressed these views on Thursday while addressing the wheel-chair distribution ceremony jointly organized by the Society for Special Persons and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Multan.
Thanking the United Nations, Gilani said that international organizations have always stood by Pakistan in times of calamities such as earthquakes and floods. “The true spirit of humanity is to work for those who can offer you nothing in return,” he remarked.
During the speech, participants raised the demand for a separate province for South Punjab. Responding to this, Gilani said he was the first leader to have the resolution for a separate province passed by the Punjab Assembly, National Assembly and Senate. He stressed that South Punjab should not merely be a province in name—it must have its own assembly, chief minister, governor, budget, NFC share and proper representation in the Senate.
Gilani said that during his tenure, 34 percent of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget was allocated to South Punjab, under which universities, colleges, bridges, bypasses and numerous development projects were completed. He added that 99 percent of the people who approach him do so for employment and that the permanent solution to joblessness lies in the creation of a new province.
He also praised the services of the Society for Special Persons (SSP), stating that its customized wheel-chair programme is a life-changing initiative for persons with disabilities. Under this project, specialized wheelchairs, skills training and livelihood opportunities are being provided. So far, the organization has distributed 8,000 wheelchairs, while over 1,000 individuals have become self-reliant after learning computer skills, sewing and other trades. Three hundred individuals have received training in wheelchair manufacturing and repair.
He added that in flood-affected areas, persons with disabilities were provided with wheelchairs, food and other relief items, while women with disabilities in South Punjab are being equipped with skills and business training to help them achieve economic independence.
The Acting President thanked national and international organizations, saying that due to their efforts, this programme continues successfully in Multan and is giving a new life to persons with disabilities.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also distributed wheelchairs among special persons.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
