AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, October 01, 2012 (PPI-OT): On the eve of the International Day for Older Persons today let us reiterate our pledge to accord respect to the older persons as well as provide a congenial environment to them to cope with the challenges of old age.
Care for the elderly people is a strong social value rooted in our religion that lays special emphasis on showing respect to the elderly. That is why despite great socio-economic pressures, Pakistani society has adhered to the value of looking after the elderly and aged.
As the theme of the day “Longevity: Shaping the Future” suggests longevity and old age is increasingly becoming a dominant feature of the societies. At the same time the societies are becoming more and more fast paced leaving little time to attend to the needs of elderly. It is therefore important to remind both the policy makers and the general public to give special attention to the needs of the old people.
Let me reiterate on this day our commitment to continue working for the welfare and protection of our elderly people. On this day, I also call upon the philanthropists and the affluent members of society to step forward and play their role. Through concerted action by all, the private and the public sector, we can make the lives of elderly more comfortable and meaningful.
I greatly appreciate valuable services of all those who are involved in promoting the cause of welfare of the aged people. I also commend efforts made by the UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs and other representatives of senior citizens for continuously advocating and highlighting the rights of senior citizens and related issues. I hope that together with the provincial governments they will continue pursuing this important mission with commitment, zeal and enthusiasm.
I am confident that observance of the Older Persons Day today will further sensitize the people, the NGOs, the state functionaries and the provinces to the need for looking after the aged and not to abandon them to the mercy of life.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com