Syed Raza Ali Gilani distributes wheelchairs and white canes at GCU

Lahore : Punjab Higher Education Minister Syed Raza Ali Gilani has said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a role model for mankind and his teachings must be part of curriculum of all classes.

He was addressing to the Old Ravians Union’s ceremony for distribution of automatic and manual wheelchairs and white canes among the physically-challenged students of Government College University Lahore on Wednesday at the university’s Meeting Room.

The Minister chaired the ceremony which was also addressed by Head of Akhuwat Foundation Dr. Amjad Saqib and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Hassan Amir Shah.

Old Ravian Union President Qazi Afaq, Secretary Rana Asad ullah Khan, Finance Secretary Dr Salman Kazmi and Executive members Dr Abdul Basit and Najam Latif were also present.

The Minister HED in his speech said that we must get all the handicapped people on board and utilize their talent for the development of nation and motherland.

He said that he would personally ensure that the words “people with special abilities” were part of the government’s manifesto and polices. He also proudly shared that “today, I have become a member of Old Ravians Union, and would vote in the union’s next elections.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Amjad Saqib, an Old Ravian, said this visit on a cold and cloudy morning to his alma mater had made him feel all nostalgic about his college days dated back of late 1960s.

He assured the union of full support from Akhuwat and Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) for the university’s students with special abilities.

Vice Chancellor Prof Hassan Shah appreciated Old Ravians Union who has been playing a key role in the development of their alma mater. He said that more than 200 students with special abilities were currently studying at GCU, and the university was making all efforts to provide maximum support to them.

ORU President Qazi Afaq Hussain said in his speech that words like “special” and “disabled” should not be used for the persons facing physical or mental challenges. “Indeed, they be called, written and mentioned as ‘persons with special abilities’ for all practical purposes, especially in all official and policy documents,” he said.

ORU Executive Member Dr. Abdul Basit briefed the participants about the activities and role of the union.