Shields presented to Amjad Siddiqui, Naqi Haider Rizvi, and Dr. Saadi A-Zahrani on the occasion of UN International Day For Disabled Persons, which was observed by the Pakistan Writers Club in Riyadh recently. — Courtesy photos Aymen Zaheer
RIYADH — The Pakistan Writers Club (PWC) observed the UN International Day for Disabled Persons here recently. It was attended by Saudi dignitaries, including Dr. Marwa Abd-el-Razek, medical director Children Association; Dr. Saadi Al-Zahrani, director; Rabab Abuzaid, rehabilitation manager; and Sofiyan Al-Tayibi, P&O Supervisor Special Care Unit of Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City in Riyadh; Jihad Al-Jiffri and Abdul Mohsen, Saudi Ministry of Culture & Information; Amjad Siddiqi, Pakistani businessman; and Naqi Haider Rizvi. Khayyam Akbar, deputy head of the Mission at the Embassy of Pakistan, was the chief guest while Al-Zahrani, Siddiqi and Rizvi were the guests of honor. PWC General Secretary Ashiq Hussain said that this year's UN International Day for Disabled Persons is themed around “Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all”. He said that the purpose of the seminar was to host structured speeches and presentations by experts to generate both knowledge and awareness about the need to open doors and break barriers for the disabled. Abdul Rauf Moghal, secretary IT of PWC, spoke about how the UN declared an International Day for Disabled Persons on December 3. Abd-el-Razek focused her talk on her own experiences with the parents of disabled children. “These disabled children have feelings, emotions, likes and dislikes and we need to embrace them and help them to transform from children with disability to children with ability.” She further said that parents of disabled children are a happy family. “Of course they pass through initial shock but then they learn to live with it and play positive roles to help their children overcome their difficulties.” Syed Khawaja Nehaluddin, PWC VP planning, presented his talk entitled “Disability is not inability,” quoting Robert Hanson who said “I don't have disability; I have a different ability.” Abuzaid spoke about two people who changed her life completely. First, Mohammad Al-Ruaif, who loves bowling, brought medals and laurels for Saudi Arabia despite being disabled; and second, her brother-in-law who couldn't speak and used sign language to communicate not to mention that he is very intelligent. Dr. Mansour Memon made a very interesting presentation on the life and achievements of Siddiqi, who is confined to wheelchair and yet has been able to achieve what able-bodied people only can dream about. Siddiqi also spoke at length about difficulties and challenges that he endured in the aftermath of his tragic accident. “I faced terrible hardship and used to work long hours just to save my job at the bank. I never lost hope and continued to have faith in myself. Today, I am able to do everything that an able-bodied person can do. He acknowledged late King Fahd who showed compassion and sent him to UK for treatment. “I cannot forget his kindness towards me.” Rizvi, a young blind industrial engineer, spoke about the challenges faced by him ever since he became blind at the tender age of 7. “When I became blind I asked my mother if I was different from all others. She said 'Yes, you are but in a positive way.' This was enough consolation for me and I never looked back.” He said that he has received help from God, and love and encouragement from friends and families. “Even though I have lost my sight but I have not lost my vision.” He also informed that despite all odds he was able to graduate as Industrial Engineer from Al-Faisal University in May this year. “My dream is to empower all those who are disabled and I will follow my dreams,” said Naqvi. Al-Zahrani in his presentation enlightened the process of rehabilitation of disabled people. “We first of all inquire from every patient about their needs. We find out about their physical and financial limitations and difficulties. After the become disabled they have difficulty in saving their jobs, challenges in family life, and they have many barriers to surmount. We must try to remove all of these barriers in their life and open doors for them.” Akbar thanked PWC for hosting such a wonderful event. He paid rich tributes to both Naqi and Siddiqi for their achievements in their lives. “We must include them and not exclude them from our society.” He cited an example of Saima Saleem, a blind lady in Pakistan who surprised all by succeeding in qualifying for Foreign Service. “Saima is our pride and she is now working in a UN mission in Geneva; she has proved her mettle.” Acknowledging parents' concern over holding special classes for special children at the Pakistani school, Akbar said: “We have noted their concerns and would like to assure them that embassy would endeavor to do its best to help them.” Faiz Al-Najdi, president of PWC, thanked Dr. Wardah Qureshi and Dr. Erum Qalbani, convener and deputy convener of Pakistan Writers Club-Ladies Club respectively, for their wonderful contributions in making the program successful. “It is very unfortunate to note that even today several years after UN declared a UN International Day for the Disabled Persons, we see disabled people struggling to even get inside a building as there are no ramps outside. Being a civil and structural engineer, I would like to emphasize on the need of provisions both inside and outside a building to facilitate disabled people.” Al-Najdi then thanked each and everyone present for attending the program. - SG
