Acting President Yousaf Raza Gillani addressed a joint event by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Society for Special Persons in Multan, where a large wheelchair distribution took place for persons with disabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Yousaf Raza Gillani recalled Multan’s five-thousand-year heritage of tolerance, peace and service to humanity, and noted his own schooling at a missionary institution where his teachers were from the Christian community, underlining the city’s interfaith harmony. He expressed gratitude to international partners including the United Nations for their assistance during earthquakes and floods.
Mr Gillani highlighted the role of social programmes in empowering citizens, citing the Benazir Income Support Programme as a turning point that enabled millions of women to obtain identity, financial security and independence, and today support their families.
The acting president praised the Society for Special Persons for its customised wheelchair distribution programme, calling it life changing. The initiative has so far provided over 8,000 wheelchairs, while more than 1,000 people have acquired computer, sewing and other vocational skills to become self-reliant, and about 300 individuals received training to manufacture and repair wheelchairs.
During flood relief efforts, the organisation supplied wheelchairs, food and other essential aid to affected communities. The project also focuses on empowering women in South Punjab with business and skills training to bolster economic participation.
On the political front, Yousaf Raza Gillani reiterated his long-standing support for a separate South Punjab province, noting he led efforts to pass resolutions in the Punjab Assembly, National Assembly and Senate. He argued that South Punjab should receive an independent assembly, a dedicated chief minister, governor, its own budget, a fair NFC award and full Senate representation. He added that during his administration 34% of the PSDP was earmarked for South Punjab projects that delivered universities, colleges, bridges, bypasses and other infrastructure.
The acting president closed by underscoring that the true message of humanity is to serve those who cannot repay you, and he personally took part in the wheelchair distribution as the programme continues to restore mobility and dignity to people across the region.
