The Punjab Government has started the Himmat Card distribution drive for eligible special children across the province under the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The launch ceremony was held at the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence in Okara, where Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sania Ashiq attended as chief guest.
The event brought together senior officials and local representatives, including the Secretary Special Education, Director General Special Education, MPA Mian Muhammad Munir, Deputy Commissioner Ahmed Usman Javed, PML-N leader Chaudhry Fayyaz Zafar and DPO Dr. Asad Ijaz Malhi. Together, they formally inaugurated the distribution of the Himmat Card for special children enrolled in the welfare programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Sania Ashiq said that 29,768 eligible special children across Punjab will receive the Himmat Card under the provincial government’s support initiative. She added that 96 students at the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence, Okara, were given their cards during the ceremony.
She described the initiative as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision to extend practical support to children with special needs. According to her, the Punjab Government is already providing a wider package of care that includes assistive devices, healthy food, therapy services and other support measures designed to improve the quality of life for special children.
Sania Ashiq also announced that satellite campuses of Autism Schools will be established in every division of Punjab so children can access assessment and therapy services closer to home. She said that around 45,000 special children are currently being provided fortified biscuits and protein-enriched milk every day under the nutrition programme.
She said the government is making every effort to ensure that special children receive the best possible facilities and opportunities. In her remarks, she credited the personal attention of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the success of the programme and said the team is focused on turning welfare commitments into practical results.
The Himmat Card, she said, is intended to strengthen self-confidence, independence and economic empowerment among special children. She also noted that the facilities available at the Centre of Excellence are comparable to, and in some cases better than, those offered by the private sector.
Sania Ashiq added that special children are being encouraged to live dignified, independent and productive lives. She said the initiative is a milestone in building protection, confidence and a better future for children with special needs across Punjab.
