Pak orphans may have Zardari as ‘father’
Official dad
Pakistan’s orphans may soon have President Asif Ali Zardari as their ''father'' if a parliamentary panel has its way.
The Senate’s standing committee on social welfare and special education has suggested that Zardari’s name should be mentioned in the “father’s name” column in legal documents for orphaned children.
The committee, during a meeting chaired by Senator Sajid Mir at the parliament on Tuesday, also called for taking measures to improve the lives of physically challenged children.
Social Welfare and Special Education Secretary Imtiaz Qazi said the presidency had suggested that a list of orphans be prepared and Zardari’s name be put in the “father’s name” column in legal documents.
Qazi added there was also a suggestion for putting the name of Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi in the column as he also cares for orphans and other under-privileged children. A joint meeting of the social welfare and interior ministries will be held to take a final call on the issue, Mir said.
Meanwhile, Federal Social Welfare Minister Samina Khalid Ghurki told the committee that the government is taking special measures for the social and economic security of such children. A complaint cell has also been set up to address these issues, she said.
