First shelter home and hospice for abandoned elderly established in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa social welfare department, in collaboration with a local philanthropist, has set up the province’s first dedicated shelter home and hospice for abandoned senior citizens in Hayatabad, Peshawar.

The facility, named Senior Harmony Haven and Hospice, has been constructed on government land. According to the philanthropist, who requested anonymity, the four-storey building was funded entirely by him. He stated, “We haven’t worked out the money spent on the construction as it doesn’t matter for the great cause of creating a decent place for elders.”

The philanthropist emphasized the urgent need for such a facility, noting that many elderly men and women who have been abandoned can often be seen on the streets, with some resorting to begging due to lack of care. He remarked that the shelter home aims to provide a safe and dignified environment for these individuals.

The building has the capacity to accommodate 100 people. While the philanthropist covered the construction costs, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa social welfare department will be responsible for the operational and recurring expenses of the project.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the philanthropist commented, “In every culture, the way a society treats its elders is a reflection of its values.” He expressed hope that the establishment of Senior Harmony Haven and Hospice would inspire further efforts to support vulnerable senior citizens in the region.

This marks the first time such a purpose-built facility for abandoned elderly people has been established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aiming to address a significant gap in social welfare services for senior citizens in the province.