On the occasion of International White Cane Safety Day, on behalf of the entire nation I extend heartfelt tribute to the courage, vitality and spirit of life of the visually impaired special persons.
The dedication and devotion of the families, societal support system, and special organizations working for the empowerment and inclusion of the visually impaired special persons deserve appreciation.
International White Cane Safety Day, in fact honors the independence, mobility, confidence, and dignity of millions visually impaired special persons around the world.
The White Cane is an enabling tool that serves as an essential means of independently participating in everyday life and to aspire greater achievements. The participation and achievements of visually impaired special persons in every field of life merit tremendous commendation.
Pakistan is especially proud of the milestones achieved by all these special individuals especially including Ms. Saima Saleem, a career diplomat who has been representing Pakistan at the highest global diplomacy forum of United Nations.
The Day also provides an opportunity to encourage sense of responsibility and to galvanize passion of service to humanity at individual and societal level. The day certainly promotes greater awareness about the rights and needs of persons with visual impairment.
The Government of Pakistan remains committed to promoting the rights and equal opportunities for special persons in accordance with our national resolve and in line with the global principles of inclusion, equality, and dignity.
The Government is committed to work in close coordination with provincial governments and all stakeholders to ensure provision of inclusive educational institutions, barrier-free workplaces, safe roads and footpaths, accessible public buildings and transportation, to facilitate equal participation of special persons.
The entire society must join hands to work collectively and to remove physical, social, and institutional barriers that prevent special persons from realizing their full potential.
I would like to especially appreciate the efforts of the Pakistan Association of the Blind and other organizations, institutions, and individuals who are devotedly working to advocate for the rights, safety, independence, and social inclusion of special persons.
