RECORDER REPORT
FAISALABAD: International White Cane Day was observed in Faisalabad district in a befitting manner to highlight the importance and significant of White Cane. In this connection a function was held at National Special Education Center Millat Town. MNAs Khalida Mansoor, Ch. Shahbaz Babar, Additional Commissioner Coordination Malik Khadim Hussain Jilani, DO Coordination Mian Aftab Ahmad, EDO CD Khalid Bashir, DO Social Welfare Ch. Ashraf, DO Special Education Ch. Abdul Hameed, Sr.
Vice President FCCI Rana Sikandar Azam, Principal Mehmooda Kausar, representatives of parents teachers Association and a large number of blinds and special persons were present in the event.
Addressing to the participants MNAs Begum Khalida Mansoor and Ch. Shahbaz Babar said that special persons are important segment of society and we should come forward for their welfare and rehabilitation to bring them main stream of national development. They said CM Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif had focused full attention on betterment of blind persons to make them useful citizens of society. They highlighted the steps of Punjab govt that had been taken for the welfare of blind person and told that quota of special persons had increased from 2 to 3 percent in govt jobs while 10 years relaxation in the age had been given to the applicants. They said Punjab govt. had publicized 4294 vacancy and 3971 special persons had provided got govt jobs yet in the province.
They told 1526 blinds provided govt. job in different departments, more than 10000 Punjab Khidmat Cards issued to the special persons and facilities of free medical treatment in govt. hospitals and 50 percent discount in fare in public transports are the major steps of Punjab govt. They said CM Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval to establish the Low Vision Rehabilitation Centers in the 13 districts which would be spread in whole province. They appealed to philanthropists to come forward and extend whatever assistance they could. They appreciated the holding gracious event for the observance of White Cane Day and said that objectives of observe the day were to protect the rights of blinds.
They lauded the qualities and performance of Special Students for presenting tableau, skits and other variety programmes in a beautiful and effective manners. Additional Commissioner Coordination Malik Khadim Hussain Jilani said govt. is committed to provide all facilities to blind persons. He said White Cane Day provided us the opportunity to acknowledge skills and services of special persons and express solidarity with them. Representing DCO Salman Ghani, DO Coordination Mian Aftab said that Allah Almighty had given the special persons other qualities due to their some deficiencies but they should be groomed by giving education and training. He said that we should renew our commitment to help the blinds for their development while observing white cane safety day. He appreciated the efforts for holding awareness seminar to highlight the rights of blind persons by the local Social Welfare and Special Education departments. He announced on behalf of DCO the provision of Coaster Vehicle to the blinds schools for the pick and drop of the blind students.
EDO CD told that Social Welfare department provided friendly environment to the special persons to help them excel in every field. Principal National Special Education Center Mehmooda Kausar told center is working for the education and rehabilitation of the physically handicapped, visually, hearing impaired and mentally challenged children under the district govt. She thanked the guests for participating White Cane Day event and raised the courage of blinds as well as special persons.
