Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said the Punjab government was committed to the welfare and empowerment of deaf-blind persons.
She added that they were neither a burden nor incapable but a living symbol of courage, resilience and self-reliance.
In her message on the International Day of Deafblindness, the chief minister said people deprived of both hearing and sight were among the most special members of society.
The CM said supporting, encouraging and empowering deaf-blind persons was a collective responsibility, adding that the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities was not an act of charity but their fundamental right.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government was providing dignified financial assistance to deaf-blind and other persons with disabilities through the Himmat Card programme. She added that assistive devices were also being provided to deaf-blind and other special persons to enable them to participate in all walks of life with dignity and independence.
The CM said special education institutions under the Special Education Department were being upgraded into Centres of Excellence to improve educational and rehabilitation services. She added that modern educational opportunities were being provided to all children with disabilities, including deaf-blind children. “We want no child to fall behind in life simply because they cannot see or hear,” she said, reiterating her government’s resolve to build an inclusive society where every individual enjoys equal opportunities, dignity and respect.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz on Saturday expressed gratitude over the successful operation against terrorists in Kharan and Mastung and paid tribute to the security forces for eliminating eight terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Hindustan.
The chief minister said the nation’s collective resolve to eradicate terrorism remained unwavering.