National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser on Friday urged philanthropists to come forward and play their role for the development of shelter homes in the country.

Qaiser, while talking to the media in Islamabad, said that the development of shelter homes is a cause very close to Prime Minister Imran Khan's heart.

"Three such shelter homes are being run in Islamabad," he said and hailed the Islamabad administration for their supportive role in this regard.

He further said that he has also established a shelter home with the help of Saylani Welfare Trust in his native town.

"The underprivileged class of the society deserves the support of the state," he said.

Qaiser said that the shelter homes are being run with the sponsorship of locals. "We intend to establish a shelter home in PIMS hospital for the attendants of patients. We have spoken to the Islamabad administration in this regard.

"We will provide accommodation and food to around 1,500 people, if the PIMS administration provides us space," said the speaker.

He said that the project will be extended across the country and urged all charitable people to step forward and contribute generously.

In November last year, PM Imran had laid the foundation stone for the first — out of five — shelter homes in Lahore. Since then, the government has established several shelters in many cities.