Punjab has begun distributing the Himmat Card to eligible special children across the province, marking a major welfare step 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 the chief guest.
The event was also attended by 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 among children registered under the provincial support initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Sania Ashiq said that 29,768 eligible special children across Punjab would receive the Himmat Card. She noted that 96 students of the Maryam Nawaz Centre of Excellence in Okara were among the first beneficiaries to receive their cards during the ceremony.
She said the initiative reflects the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to give special attention to children with special needs and ensure they are supported through practical measures. According to her, the Punjab Government is already providing a wider package of services that includes assistive devices, healthy food, therapy services, and other welfare support for special children.
Sania Ashiq also shared that satellite campuses of Autism Schools will be established in every division of Punjab so assessment and therapy services can be made available closer to families. She added that around 45,000 special children are being provided fortified biscuits and protein-enriched milk every day under the government’s nutrition program.
Calling the Himmat Card a meaningful welfare measure, she said it is designed to build confidence, independence, and financial empowerment among special children. She added that the facilities at the Centre of Excellence are comparable to, and in some cases better than, those offered in the private sector.
She further said the government wants special children to live dignified, independent, and productive lives. Highlighting the leadership behind the initiative, she said Pakistan is moving toward a better future under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, while crediting the success of the program to the personal attention and supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
According to Sania Ashiq, the Himmat Card initiative is becoming a milestone in giving protection, confidence, and a brighter future to special children across Punjab.
