Alvi stresses special measures for welfare of elderly, poor

ISLAMABAD (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday stressed the government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to work together for the welfare of poor people and elderly in the society.

Talking to a delegation of Old Age Home, Aafiyat Multan here at Aiwan-e-Sadr, he said Islam gave utmost importance to respect the senior citizens.

He said the parents should arrange quality education and training for their children according to teachings of Islam.

The president said fulfilling the basic rights of the parents must be among the top responsibilities of their children.

“Actions are needed to provide all the basic facilities and necessities of life to the homeless and the elderly”, Alvi said.

He urged the philanthropists, welfare organizations and other sections of the society to make special efforts to take care of the elderly. He said measures were also needed at the legal and social level for the well being of the senior citizens. He appreciated the role of ‘Tare Zemin Par Trust’ and ‘Affiyat’ for taking care of the elderly. Later, the president also hosted a lunch for senior citizens.

Meanwhile, President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday felicitated the members of Pakistan Special Olympics team on winning medals in the Special Olympics games recently held in Berlin.

Talking to the members of Pakistan’s Special Olympics Team who participated in Berlin Special Olympics, President Alvi and First Lady Begum Samina Alvi appreciated the Pakistan team on representing the country in the international event and promoting bright image of the country.

“I congratulate the whole team of Pakistan Special Olympics and management on winning medals in the Special Olympics,” he said adding that the whole team demonstrated their tremendous abilities in the games.

He said it was a matter of pride that the country’s special Olympics team participated in 11 games of the event.

Expressing pleasure over the participation of people with mental disabilities in the international event, the president said the participation of the special persons in constructive activities should be increased.

He said the persons with disabilities should be given the opportunity in health, education, employment and sports event.

He also stressed the need to provide employment opportunities to the special persons according to their skills and capacities.

President Alvi said he wished to formulate an inclusive and comprehensive society in the country.