Highlight the achievements of Pakistanis on World Braille Day; says 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 reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity and full participation of the visually impaired on the occasion of World Braille Day.
In a message issued on the occasion, President Asif Zardari hailed visually impaired people across the country and underlined the importance of inclusion in national life.
He said World Braille Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, whose tactile literacy system opened the doors of education, information and self-reliance to millions of people around the world.
The president noted that Braille is not only a tool for reading and writing but also a symbol of independence, trust and equal opportunities. 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 emphasized that accessible education, inclusive public services and equal opportunities for visually impaired people are both a constitutional responsibility and a moral obligation.
He said Pakistan remains committed to promoting Braille literacy, inclusive curricula and the use of digital and assistive technologies to expand access to learning and information.
He highlighted the need to integrate accessibility standards into 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 honor the commitments of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals, which require inclusive and equitable societies.
He paid tribute to visually impaired people for their resilience, as well as educators, parents, caregivers and organizations 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 realize their full potential. Pakistan Paindabad,” the President said.
Furthermore, in his message, the Prime Minister stated that the government was committed to protecting the rights of all special people, 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, prove that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle.
“Visually impaired people in Pakistan are working with great dedication after achieving success in various fields and even in competitions. In this regard, Mrs. Saima Saleem, who performs her duties in the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations as an officer of the Ministry of External Affairs, stands out,” he said.
“Indeed, such achievements are shining examples of perseverance, competence and national dignity. And, without a doubt, 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 visually impaired or disabled people 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 literacy and provide accessible facilities to protect the rights of the visually impaired.
