Government planning to set up 5 senior citizens centres

ISLAMABAD: The government is considering setting up five senior citizens centres, each at respective federal and provincial headquarters.

In addition, a project management unit would be set up at the Social Welfare Ministry to deal with the welfare of senior citizens, said official sources on Monday.

They said special facilities to senior citizens had been approved and forwarded for implementation to the relevant agencies, organisations and departments.

In order to elevate the image and regard of senior citizens, school children would be taught the Islamic principles of respect and care for the elderly.

This practice would be incorporated in the moral education of both the primary and secondary school syllabus, sources added.

This would provide awareness for the new generation to demonstrate respect for senior citizens, they said.

The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will offer distant learning courses covering issues such as the preparation of meeting the challenges of old age and the morals of respect and care.

Sources said that under legal facilitation, all courts and concerned institutions would be given priority in handling cases concerning people and prisoners aged 70 or above. All minor crimes would be pardoned.

Other concessions for the elderly will include free entry to public parks, museums, zoos, public libraries and priority at railway stations, airports, hospitals and banks.

Sources said the government was considering other proposals but a decision had not been made because of financial implications. One of the proposals included a specialised health care service for senior citizens by setting up geriatric wards in five hospitals, each at respective federal and provincial headquarters, sources added. app

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