International Day of Disabled Persons observed: To mark the day, seminars, workshops and walks were organised in different parts of the country at the government and private levels to raise awareness about the issues of disability and responsibilities of the society in this regard. In Lahore, a group of disabled persons staged walk in front of Punjab assembly to press the government for fulfilment of demand of provision of jobs and medical facilities to persons with disabilities.
Speakers at different functions said that around 10 percent of the world's population (650 million) is living with disabilities. They said, "of 80 percent of persons with disabilities, more than 400 million people live in poor countries and there is a strong link between disability and poverty."
In developing countries, 80-90 percent of persons with disabilities is unemployed, while in industrialised countries, it is estimated to be between 50-70 percent, they said. According to Unesco
, 90-percent of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. Expressing his views, Lahore Businessmen Association for Rehabilitation of Disabled (LABARD) President Mohammad Pervaiz Malik MNA said there are about 32,86,630 disabled people living in Pakistan with different types of disabilities like blindness (8.06 percent), deaf (7.43 percent), crippled (19.83), mentally retarded (7.60) and others (57.98 percent).He said poor people are more at risk of acquiring a disability because of lack of access to good nutrition, complete balance diet, healthcare, sanitation, education, as well as safe living and working conditions, he added.
Addressing the participants of a ceremony organised by Punjab University Child Welfare Centre, New Campus, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the varsity, Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran stressed that parents and society should treat special children as equally, and impart proper education and training facilities to them so that they could lead their lives as useful and productive citizens of the country.
He said that the parents, instead of taking pity or sympathy on their mentally and physically retarded children, should provide them conducive environment and send them to special educational institutes so as to help them live a normal life. He said education and bringing up of special kids not only creates feelings of human love and sympathies in a person, but also becomes a source of mental and spiritual satisfaction.
The VC expressed he always participates in the functions of special children and students as their activities and performance provides true happiness and spiritual contentment. He informed that the varsity's Child Welfare Centre is extending educational and training facilities to special children to help them overcome their impairment and retardation with confidence.
He lauded facilities being provided by the centre to the special children besides vocational training to deserving female students residing in PU employees' colony and its adjoining areas. Professor Dr Kamran accorded sanction to construction of five additional rooms, purchase of computer software and equipment as well as regularisation of services of female teachers of the Centre.
On the occasion, special children presented various colourful games and tableau, which were greatly applauded by the audience. Later, the VC visited the physiotherapy centre and classrooms for the special children and expressed his satisfaction over the services being provided there. Centre's Principal, Ayesha Wajihullah, PU Treasurer Dr Uzma Ikram, Project Director Sheikh Muhammad Ali, Advisor Colonel Ikramullah Khan, Resident Officer-I Professor Javed Sami, and parents of special children were present on the occasion.
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