President, PM vow to safeguard rights of persons with visual impairment

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and full participation of persons with visual impairment.

In separate messages issued on the occasion of World Braille Day, both leaders stressed the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

President Zardari extended greetings to persons with visual impairment across the country and underscored the need for their full inclusion in national life. He said World Braille Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, whose tactile literacy system opened doors to education, information and self-reliance for millions worldwide.

The president noted that Braille is not only a tool for reading and writing but also a symbol of independence, confidence and equal opportunity. Recalling Pakistan’s founding principles of equality, social justice and respect for human dignity, he said national progress depends on enabling every citizen to contribute meaningfully to society.

President Zardari emphasised that accessible education, inclusive public services and equal opportunities for persons with visual impairment are both a constitutional responsibility and a moral obligation. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting Braille literacy, inclusive curricula, and the use of assistive and digital technologies to expand access to learning and information.

He also stressed the need to integrate accessibility standards across public buildings, government services and digital platforms, adding that Pakistan continues to honour its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals.

However, in his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government is committed to protecting the rights of all special persons, including those with visual impairment, and to providing them equal opportunities in society.

The prime minister urged educational institutions, civil society, the private sector and the media to strengthen joint efforts for the promotion of Braille literacy.

Extending goodwill to visually impaired persons in Pakistan and around the world, he said Louis Braille’s revolutionary system created opportunities for education, access to information and a dignified life for millions.

Highlighting the achievements of visually impaired Pakistanis, Prime Minister Shehbaz said their success in various fields, including competitive examinations, demonstrates that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle. He cited the example of Saima Saleem, who is serving as an officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Pakistan’s United Nations Mission.

He said such achievements reflect perseverance, competence and national pride, and underscore the importance of accessible education and social cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026