International White Cane Safety Day is being observed on Thursday around the world to highlight the achievements and importance of visually impaired people.
Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri have said that facilitating the people with disabilities is the priority of the incumbent government.
In their separate messages on the occasion of White Cane Safety Day, the speaker said the people with disabilities especially the blind people are capable enough to perform all tasks and become a productive part of society.
Asad Qaiser said for the first time in the history of the country, a parliamentary committee to address the issues faced by people with disabilities has been established. He appreciated the role and contribution of blind persons for the welfare of the country.
In his message, Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri said this day reminded us to facilitate our blind people in every socio-economic field. He said the government is striving hard to provide employment to blind people.
The date is set aside to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
White Cane Safety Day was first proclaimed in 1964 by United States President Lyndon Johnson. The white cane is a mobility tool that gives independence by making it possible for blind and visually impaired people to safely move around on their own.
The day is intended to make everyone aware of the significance of a white cane and to encourage people, especially motorists, to take extra care when they see someone with a white cane. It also offers the chance to educate and raise awareness of the blind and visually impaired.
