Speaking at a seminar held at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPM&R) of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), on Saturday, to mark the International Day for Disabled, he said people with disabilities must be provided every opportunity to lead independent and empowered lives. "The day itself aims to mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities," said Nisar Ahmed Khuhro. He said the physically and visually impaired, constituting seven percent of the population in the country must be integrated into all spheres of life, ranging from political and cultural aspects to social and economic. The Speaker appreciated DUHS for providing 2500 artificial limbs to the disabled people of Larkana and enabling them to be socially and economically rehabilitated. Nisar Ahmed Khuhro on the occasion also announced a grant of Rs 0.4 million for the rehabilitative work undertaken by IPM&R DUHS. He expressed his pleasure that DUHS plans to soon start a mobile van service for the assistance of disabled based in rural areas of the province. Sindh Finance Minister, Murad Ali Shah said there is need to create public awareness about prevention of different diseases including those that cause disability. He on behalf of the Sindh government assured financial, legal and administrative support for Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of DUHS. The Minister said there was also an urgency to promote awareness about the human rights of those with disabilities and to help them combat discrimination. Vice Chancellor of DUHS, Prof. Masood Hameed Khan said there was a huge burden of diseases in Pakistan and no government can handle it on its own. "There is need to evolve a preventive strategy," he said and urged the media to play its role in sensitising the masses about modes to prevent ailments. Prof. Masood Hameed Khan said DUHS plans to initiate health education campaign in different schools of the province. He also thanked the provincial government for sanctioning different projects of DUHS. IPM&R Director, Dr. Nabeela Soomro in her welcome address said the institute provides comprehensive multi-disciplinary rehabilitation services to the people in need. She said patients are also assisted in the fields of cardiac neurological, musculoskeletal, speech and language rehabilitation respectively. This help patients to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, said Prof. Soomro. "We are also actively involved in integration of persons with disabilities by providing them artificial limbs," she said.