In order to support senior citizens of the province, the Sindh government has announced a plan to launch the Sindh Senior Citizen Card that will benefit 3.7 million citizens aged 60 and above.
Officials said Sindh was the first province to issue the Sindh Senior Citizen Card, which would facilitate senior citizens with medical facilities, ease in travel, and other basic amenities,” stated Mir Tarique Ali Khan Talpur, the provincial minister for social welfare.
The social welfare department has initiated the programme to support the elderly population of the province in collaboration with the National Database & Registration Authority (Nadra). According to Nadra’s data, the Sindh Senior Citizen Card will benefit 3.7 million citizens aged 60 and above, offering improved access to healthcare, travel conveniences, and other civic services.
Previously known as the Azadi Card, the initiative has been rebranded to reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the dignity and well-being of senior citizens. The ceremony was graced by key officials, including Talpur, Social Welfare Secretary Parwez Ahmed Seehar, Social Welfare Director General Athar Hussain Mirani, Nadra Karachi Director General Ehtesham Shahid, and Programme Manager Junaid Shaukat.
Addressing the gathering, the Sindh social welfare minister highlighted the significance of the initiative stating “The Sindh Senior Citizen Card is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring the welfare of our elderly population. This initiative provides them with the respect and care they deserve, enabling easier access to essential services. Our senior citizens are the backbone of our history and culture. It is our moral responsibility to ensure that they live their golden years with dignity and comfort.”
He elaborated that the Sindh government wanted to create a society that valued and cared for its elders and the launch of the new card was just one of many steps it was taking to build a more inclusive and compassionate society. “The Sindh Senior Citizen Card is more than just a card—it is a promise from the government to its citizens that their contributions to society will never be forgotten. We are ensuring that the elderly population has access to better healthcare, hassle-free travel and other civic services that make their lives easier,” he added.
The Nadra Karachi director general said Nadra felt honoured to be part of the project to support the elderly population in Sindh. “The Sindh Senior Citizen Card will significantly ease access to various services for our senior citizens, who have long contributed to society,” he said, adding that the Sindh card would act as an identification tool for senior citizens, granting them access to essential services such as healthcare and travel benefits in a streamlined manner.
Published in News Daily on 12 December 2024.