ISLAMABAD, Dec 2: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said that the country is committed to the cause of the disabled people regardless of their cast, creed, social and economic status.

This he stated in his message in connection with the International Day of the Disabled being observed on Tuesday.

He said: “Pakistan is observing the International Day for the Disabled as a signatory to the United Nations Resolution 37/52 of Dec 3, 1982, on Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disability.”

“We in Pakistan believe that persons with disability can contribute a lot towards the economic growth of the country provided they get an enabling environment,” the president said, adding that his government had always worked hard to provide a suitable environment and laid down a National Policy for the Disabled.

He said that it included the provision of health care facilities, rehabilitation services and improving the overall quality of life of the disabled people.

He hoped that the elected government would take the agenda forward with more vigour and zeal.

Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali in his message had invited all the sections of the society including the corporate sector, the voluntary organizations and civil society to join hands with the government in helping the disabled people.