PESHAWAR, Oct 20 (APP):National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has called for immediate implementation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senior Citizens Act, 2014, writing to provincial authorities, public hospitals and district administrations to ensure older people receive their legally guaranteed healthcare, welfare and social protection entitlements.
The Commission has approached the Secretary Health, Secretary Social Welfare, Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs) and all Deputy Commissioners across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, seeking coordinated action to address longstanding gaps in implementing the law.
In its correspondence, NCHR has called for dedicated senior citizens’ facilitation desks, preferential treatment, separate queues and geriatric care facilities in government hospitals, including major teaching institutions and district headquarters hospitals.
The Commission has also urged the Social Welfare Department to reactivate the Provincial Senior Citizens Welfare Council, operationalise the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund and expedite the issuance of senior citizen cards to facilitate access to statutory benefits.
Rizwan Ullah Shah, Provincial Coordinator , NCHR said the Commission had taken up the matter following concerns raised by older people and civil society organisations, particularly the Senior Citizens Forum Peshawar, which highlighted important issues during its recent interactions with the Commission. “The Senior Citizens Forum Peshawar has brought serious concerns regarding healthcare access, welfare services and non-implementation of the law to our attention. These issues demand coordinated institutional action. NCHR is engaging relevant departments to ensure that the rights guaranteed under the Senior Citizens Act are translated into practical services. Reactivating the Senior Citizens Welfare Council and strengthening accountability at provincial and district levels are essential,” he said.
Qamar Naseem, Programme Manager at Blue Veins, welcomed NCHR’s intervention and appreciated the Commission’s proactive role in advancing the rights of older people. “NCHR’s engagement with provincial departments, public hospitals and district administrations is a significant step towards ensuring that the rights guaranteed under the Senior Citizens Act are translated into practical action.
Human rights institutions have a vital role in strengthening institutional accountability, monitoring implementation and holding duty bearers responsible for fulfilling their legal obligations. Particular attention must be given to older women, whose voices, experiences and leadership should shape policies, services and accountability mechanisms affecting their lives,” he said.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
