President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the government is taking measures to fight blindness and help integrate those afflicted with impaired vision in the mainstream of national life.
In a message on the eve of 'International White Cane Safety Day', falling on October 15 (today), the President said, "the observance of White Cane Safety Day is a reminder to us of our responsibilities towards those special persons who suffer from visual disabilities."
He said it was also an occasion to create awareness about the problems and needs of the visually handicapped persons and to step up efforts to address those problems. "The visually impaired have taught us two fundamental lessons: one, to be grateful that Allah has bestowed on us a life free of any disability and two, to doggedly fight the battle of life despite hazards and challenges," he added.
The President further said, "on this day, we appreciate and admire the great courage of special persons who refuse to surrender before disabilities."
He called upon everyone to show greater consideration for visually impaired persons and make efforts to ensure their integration in the society. The President commended all those individuals and associations who are engaged in the task of rehabilitation of the disabled.