Highlight Pakistani achievements on World Braille Day; says the government is committed to promoting braille literacy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: APP/AFP
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and full participation of visually impaired persons on the occasion of World Braille Day.
In a message issued on the occasion, President Asif Zardari greeted visually impaired persons across the country and emphasized the importance of inclusion in national life.
He said World Braille Day celebrates the birthday of Louis Braille, whose system of tactile literacy opened doors of education, information and self-reliance to millions of people worldwide.
The President noted that Braille is not only a tool for reading and writing, but also a symbol of independence, trust and equal opportunity. He recalled that Pakistan was founded on the principles of equality, social justice and respect for human dignity, adding that national progress depends on all citizens being able to contribute meaningfully to society.
President Zardari stressed that accessible education, inclusive public services and equal opportunities for the visually impaired 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 devices and digital technologies to expand access to learning and information.
He stressed the need to integrate accessibility standards across public buildings, public services and digital platforms to ensure that no citizen is excluded from community life.
The President noted that the country continues to comply with obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals, which call for inclusive and just societies.
He paid tribute to people with visual impairments for their resilience, as well as to educators, parents, carers and organizations working to promote braille education and social inclusion.
He called on federal and provincial governments, institutions, civil society, the private sector and local 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 realize their full potential. Pakistan Paindabad,” the President said.
Separately, in his message, the Prime Minister maintained that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all special persons, including the visually impaired, providing them with equal opportunities and creating an equal society.
“Today, on the occasion of World Braille Day, I express my feelings of goodwill towards 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 January 4 as World Braille Day in 2018.”
The Prime Minister noted that the remarkable achievements of visually impaired Pakistanis in various fields, facilitated by Braille, show that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.
“The visually impaired in Pakistan are working with great dedication after being successful in various fields and even in competitive exams. In this regard Mrs. Saima Saleem is prominent who is performing her duties in Pakistan’s UN Mission as an officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he said.
“Such achievements are indeed 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 obligation to provide published material in accessible formats to persons with visual impairments 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 to promote braille skills and provide accessible facilities to protect the rights of the visually impaired.
