ISLAMABAD, Oct 14: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali has said the government and the private sector should join hands to bring about an improvement in the existing state of affairs of the visually handicapped and offer them the opportunity to lead an independent life as useful members of society.

In his message on the White Cane Safety Day to be observed worldwide on October 15, the prime minister said while the blind and visually impaired members of society were striving to overcome their disability, the government, society and the public should shoulder the responsibility to assist them in their brave efforts to acquire self-confidence and self-reliance.

“While I salute the visually handicapped on the White Cane Safety Day for their resolve and determination to make their lives fruitful, much yet remains to be done on our part to enable them to lead as normal lives as possible.

“This can be done by supplementing their limited abilities with increased care and attention, providing them proper education as well as vocational training to these who are able to employ it for their personal betterment,” the prime minister said.