Pakistan : The government is considering to establish five senior citizens centres

The government is considering to establish five senior citizens centres – one each at Federal and Provincial headquarters to provide them (aged persons) special facilities.

Besides, a project management unit would be set-up at Ministry of Social Welfare to deal with issue relating to the well-being of the senior citizens, official sources said here Tuesday.

The sources said some concessions to provide special facilities to the senior citizens have been approved and forwarded to concerned agencies, organizations and departments for implementation.

Respect and Care

The children at schools would be taught Islamic principles to show respect and care for senior citizens in order to elevate their (aged persons) image and regard. This virtue will be incorporated as a part of moral education in the primary and middle schools’ syllabus.

Enumerating the plans, the sources said under legal facilitation, all the courts and concerned institutions would be given priority in handling the cases concerning aged persons and prisoners aged 70 or above with minor crimes be pardoned.

Similarly, under traditional virtue of respecting/assisting aged persons, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) would offer distant learning courses through television with the objectives of preparing the people for meeting the challenges of the old age and moral education to the society to respect and care the elderly.

Other Concessions

The other concessions for elderly persons is free entry to public parks, museums, zoos, public libraries and priority at railway stations, airports, hospitals and banks.

The sources said certain other proposals are also under consideration of the government, which have financial implication and the decision in this regard will be taken in due course of time.

These proposals include specialized health care service to senior citizens by setting-up Geriatric Wards in five hospitals with one each at Federal and Provincial headquarters and bearing the full or partial cost of treatment of senior citizens by the state.