LAHORE (HANDOUT) - Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif yesterday announced a fund of 500 million for Punjab Welfare Trust for Special Persons, adding the total volume of this fund will increase to one billion rupees.

“Special children are not inferior to normal children in talent and abilities and are infused with the spirit to move forward,” the CM said while addressing a function on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Alhamra Hall.

Shehbaz said that special children are facing problems with courage and spirit and they are not a burden on the society. He added he deeply respects those who have set up institutions for education and training of special children.

He urged the ministers, secretaries and others to lend a helping hand to special children.

The Punjab government will give Rs300 million to the trust during current financial year, while Rs200m more will be provided next year.

The CM said he was pleased to participate in the ceremony and it is necessary to take out time from busy schedule for helping special persons.

Referring to performance of special children at the function, Shehbaz said it shows their courage and determination. He also appreciated the services of former Chief Secretary Pervaiz Masood, Justice (r) Amir Raza and others for the rehabilitation of special children and commended their spirit.

Provincial ministers Zakia Shahnawaz, Ch Muhammad Shafiq, and a large number of special persons, their parents and teachers attended the function.

Since 1992, the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated annually on December 3 across the world.