ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with visual impairment on the occasion of World Braille Day.
In a message issued on the occasion, President Asif Zardari extended greetings to persons with visual impairment across the country and underscored the importance of inclusion in national life.
He said World Braille Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, whose system of tactile literacy 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. He recalled that Pakistan was founded on principles of equality, social justice and respect for human dignity, adding that 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 said Pakistan remains committed to promoting Braille literacy, inclusive curricula and the use of assistive and digital technologies to expand access to learning and information.
He stressed the need to integrate accessibility standards across public buildings, government services and digital platforms to ensure that no citizen is excluded from civic life.
The president noted that the country continues to honour commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals, which call for inclusive and equitable societies.
He paid tribute to persons with visual impairment for their resilience, as well as to educators, parents, caregivers and organisations working to promote Braille education and social inclusion.
He urged federal and provincial governments, institutions, civil society, the private sector and communities to work together to remove barriers and strengthen accessibility.
“By fostering a culture of empathy and inclusion, we can move closer to a Pakistan where every individual is empowered to realise their full potential. Pakistan Paindabad,” the president said.
Separately, in his message, the premier maintained that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all special persons, including the visually impaired, provide them equal opportunities, and create an equal society.
“Today, on the occasion of World Braille Day, I express my feelings of goodwill to the visually impaired in Pakistan and around the world” the prime minister said. “Louis Braille’s revolutionary tactile writing system created opportunities for education, access to information and a dignified life for millions of visually impaired people around the world,” he added.
“Rightly recognizing the profound importance of this system, the United Nations General Assembly declared 4th January as World Braille Day in 2018.”
The prime minister noted that the remarkable achievements of visually impaired Pakistanis in various fields, facilitated by Braille, demonstrate that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.
“The visually impaired in Pakistan are working with great dedication after succeeding in various fields and even in competitive examinations. In this regard, Ms Saima Saleem is prominent, who is performing her duties in Pakistan’s United Nations Mission as an officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
“Indeed, such achievements are shining examples of perseverance, competence, and national dignity. And undoubtedly, they are also a reflection of the strength of accessible education and social cooperation,” he added.
“Pakistan is a member of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Pakistan also ratified the Marrakesh Treaty in 2023 to ensure access to knowledge and information. Under this treaty, the commitment to provide published materials in accessible formats for people with visual impairment or disabilities was reiterated.”
The prime minister urged not only the government but also educational institutions, civil society, the private sector, and the media to strengthen efforts in promoting Braille literacy and providing accessible facilities to protect the rights of the visually impaired.