Vibrant mix of Colors, Compassion and Humanity seen at PCP
KP Health Minister and ICRC Sub-Delegation Head award Shields and prizes
By: Ghulam Hussain Ghazi
The expansive lawn of the Paraplegic Center Peshawar (PCP) glowed on a pleasant day of early December as it hosted a special ceremony marking the World Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The majestic event brought together dignitaries, representatives of institutions engaged in comprehensive physical and psychological rehabilitation, specialists, students and a large number of paraplegics. Soft winter sunlight, velvety trimmed grass, colorful banners, makeshift stalls and the freshing smiles of participants intermixed to create a pleasant atmosphere which was both festive and inspiring.
The chief guest was the widely admired Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Health, Mian Khaliq-ur-Rahman, whose unavoidable commitments though caused a slight delay in his arrival. Accordingly, the vibrant event was organized in two phases.
The guest of honor for the first phase was Bruno Radicchi, Head of the ICRC Sub-Delegation,, who always took special interest in the ICRC’s humanitarian and rehabilitation efforts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and eversince tried to impressive outcomes achieved. He formally inaugurated the ceremony by cutting the colorful ribbon alongside the CEO of the Paraplegic Center Peshawar, Dr. Syed Muhammad Ilyas. As the ribbon fell, graduates of PCP, the wheelchair bound enthusiasts yet unmatched in courage and confidence, released multicolored balloons into the sky, creating a vivid symbol of freedom, hope and the soaring aspirations of PwDs.
After the inauguration, Dr Ilyas Syed and Bruno Radicchi visited the stalls set up by a range of medical and academic institutions in connection with the global observance. These included Khyber Medical University, University of Peshawar, Peshawar Institute of Cardiology, Hamz College of Nursing, College of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Miracle Feet USA, International Committee of the Red Cross, PIPAS, Pakistan Physiotherapy Association, Friends of Paraplegics, Chal Foundation Islamabad, Neuro Nest Autism Center Peshawar, RCRS, PHRO, CAPTA, and the Paraplegic Center Peshawar. Radicchi interacted with specialists, explored services on display and even played interactive games designed by students at the stalls, warmly appreciating their creativity and enthusiasm.
The first phase was hosted by renowned poet and scholar Prof. Dr. Abaseen Yousafzai, whose eloquence and charm kept the atmosphere lively. Hosting duties for the second phase shifted to Sumbal Jahan, lecturer at the CPMR, whose fluent English delivery reflected the confidence and capability of the youth.
The ceremony began with a beautiful and heartfelt recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Faizan, a graduate of the PCP, infusing the gathering with a profound spiritual aura. Meanwhile, a disciplined contingent of Chitral Scouts led the national anthem, with all participants standing in respect, adding a dignified patriotic spirit to the event.
A lively and purposeful poetry session, held under the guidance of Prof Abaseen Yousafzai, infused the ceremony with literary vibrance. Poets including Ehtisham-ul-Haq from Dera Ismail Khan, Zafar Khan Zafar from Bajaur, Basheer Nangiyeal from Malakand, Umar Khan Umar from Swat and distinguished poetess Kulsoom Zaib from Swabi, presented unique verses capturing the emotions, societal attitudes and rehabilitation struggles of PwDs.
Young special children from Akbar Kare Institute performed an endearing patriotic tableau that earned prolonged applause from the audience. Their innocence and love for the country moved hearts across the venue. Students of the College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation also presented a thought-provoking stage sketch highlighting the significance of comprehensive physical and psychological rehabilitation and the true essence of the global observance.
In the second phase of the event, the arrival of Health Minister Mian Khaliq-ur-Rahman was marked by a ceremonial salute from the Chitral Scouts and presentation of flower bouquets by young children, filling the venue once again with joy and excitement. On this occasion, Mian Khaliq-ur-Rahman Bruno Radicchi and Dr. Ilyas Syed delivered heartfelt, insightful and inspiring addresses.
The Minister Health praised the exceptional services of PCP in physical and psychological rehabilitation of PwDs. He acknowledged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experiences a higher rate of accidents, terror waves and unforeseen calamities than other provinces, making collosal investment in rehabilitation services indispensable. He also reaffirmed the commitment of his government to implementing the long-standing announcements made by former prime ministers and chief ministers about PCP.
Bruno Radicchi while highlighting the ICRC’s vital role, revealed that over the past sixteen years, more than 43,000 PwDs were ensured physical rehabilitation and over 136,000 assistive devices provided.“The Paraplegic Center Peshawar today is a flourishing tree whose roots are nourished by the spirit of service”, he concluded.
CEO Dr. Ilyas Syed informed the gathering that in the past PCP served as the only facility for patients arriving from across Pakistan and Afghanistan, but now the load has increased to nearly four times its actual capacity despite restricting patients admission to KP only. He emphasized the urgent need to establish at least four additional such centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to meet rising rehabilitation demands locally.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, awards and shields were presented to individuals who rendered outstanding services in comprehensive rehabilitation of PwDs. Chairman of Friends of Paraplegics (FoP), Engr Sanaullah Khan, also distributed cash prizes of Rs. 10,000, 5,000, and 3,000 to students Hira Tahir, Athar Hayat and Alisha Nasir respectively, for securing top positions in the National Research Quiz Competition. Notably, all three top positions in the competition, held at RMI Hayatabad, were won by students of the College of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the academic wing of the Paraplegic Center.
This magnificent event at the PCP not only celebrated the World Day of Persons with Disabilities but also illuminated new pathways of hope for an inclusive, dignified and empowered future for persons with disabilities. It served as a reminder that the world becomes better only when every individual regardless of any physical challenge contributes to the society with confidence, dignity and purpose.
Earlier, the logo unveiling ceremony for observing this international day was also marked with great enthusiasm and zeal by people with disabilities. Ehsan Danish, the Sports and Entertainment Coordinator of the PCP, who is a renowned Pashto poet and a Para Olympian athlete, having won sports tournaments held in various countries every year, organized a billiards championship and music gala in the patients’ ward. PwDs not only showed great interest but also showcased their God-given talents on this occasion.
