Sindh to build landmark 80-acre city for persons with disabilities: Saeed Ghani
Adnan Athar
Sindh to build landmark 80-acre city for persons with disabilities: Saeed Ghani
Karachi
Sindh Minister for Labour, Human Resources and Social Protection, Saeed Ghani, has said that it is the state’s foremost responsibility to provide its citizens with access to health, education, and employment, adding that this obligation becomes even greater when it comes to persons with disabilities.
He announced that the Sindh government is set to establish a unique city for persons with disabilities on 80 acres along Shahrah-e-Bhutto, a project that will be unmatched not only in Pakistan but also in many other countries.
Speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony marking the International White Cane Safety Day, organised by the Pakistan Association of the Blind (Sindh) at a local hotel on Tuesday, Ghani distributed assistive devices among visually impaired persons from 19 centres of the association across the province. The event was also addressed by Association President Muzaffar Ali Qureshi, Abdul Jabbar Mirani, Furman Ahmed, Imran Sheikh, and others.
Ghani said he personally finds it deeply fulfilling to attend such events where special persons participate, as they demonstrate exceptional resilience and capabilities despite facing physical challenges. He added that while such individuals may have certain limitations, Allah has blessed them with unique talents and strengths that are often not found in others.
The minister stressed that while the private sector cannot be forced to allocate employment quotas for persons with disabilities, special persons should develop their skills and competence to such an extent that private employers willingly hire them.
He added that whatever the Sindh government is doing for the welfare of special persons is not a favour but their rightful entitlement, being carried out under the manifesto of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the vision of party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
Ghani also cited the inspiring example of Saima Saleem, a visually impaired Pakistani diplomat currently representing the country at the United Nations, who has made Pakistan proud internationally through her achievements.
In his remarks, Muzaffar Ali Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Association of the Blind (Sindh), appreciated the continued cooperation of the Sindh government and the Environment Department, noting that the distribution of assistive devices across all association branches in the province had been made possible through government support. He expressed hope that this partnership would continue to strengthen in the future.
