On this International Day of Older Persons, we affirm our commitment to improving care and support systems for older persons. This day, we honour the contributions of our senior citizens for transferring their experience and wisdom to younger generations as well as their role in the progress and prosperity of our country.
Senior citizens are not only the foundation of our society but are also a source of wisdom, knowledge, and experience. Our religion calls upon us to look after our parents and elderly people with love, compassion and utmost care. Our parents and the elderly make tremendous sacrifices by investing time, love, energy and resources in bringing up children. It is our moral and religious obligation to treat them with respect and dignity and take care of them in old age.
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also places a responsibility upon the state to provide necessities of life for all citizens who are permanently or temporarily unable to earn their livelihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment. Pakistan has taken a number of steps for the welfare of senior citizens. As populations age, they become dependent and their need for specialized care increases, and therefore, it is imperative to provide affordable and accessible medical facilities to our elderly.
I call upon the federal and provincial governments, as well as civil society, to prioritize better healthcare, strengthen social security, protect the rights of the elderly, and provide them a friendly and healthy environment.
On this day, let us strive to make Pakistan more inclusive and age-friendly that honours and respects its senior citizens.
Embargoed: Not to be published/broadcast/telecast before 1st October 2024
