Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore led a celebration marking International White Cane Day on October 19 and the 28th anniversary of the Annaniah Rehabilitation Center, highlighting the dignity, talents, and independence of visually impaired girls.
Organized by Caritas Pakistan Lahore, the event brought together more than 60 participants, including religious leaders, community members, supporters, and around two dozen visually impaired Christian girls at the rehabilitation center in Lahore, eastern Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Rehmat emphasized the value and purpose of every human life, encouraging the girls to face the future with faith and courage. He described them as bearers of light and urged them to recognize their dignity and potential.
The archbishop led the proceedings and imparted the final blessing at the celebration.
The program featured prayers, Bible readings, cultural performances, and a short play presented by the students, showcasing their abilities and participation in community life. A cake-cutting ceremony marked the rehabilitation center’s 28 years of service.
Khalida, the center’s in-charge, outlined its history and achievements since its establishment, while Father Shafaqat John, head of programs at Caritas Pakistan Lahore, thanked the staff and supporters who have sustained its work.
Fr. Asif Sardar, vicar general, and Amjad Gulzar, executive director of Caritas Pakistan, also commended the students for their resilience and talents and offered encouragement for their future.
The celebration highlighted the need for accessible education, equal opportunities, and community support for people with visual disabilities. It also underscored the role of rehabilitation services in helping young people develop confidence and greater independence.
International White Cane Day is observed annually on October 15 to raise awareness of the white cane as a tool for mobility and independence for blind and visually impaired people. The observance promotes accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation in society.
In Pakistan, where Christian communities form a religious minority, initiatives such as the Annaniah Rehabilitation Center provide support to visually impaired girls while affirming their right to education, dignity, and participation in community life.
The anniversary celebration reaffirmed Caritas Pakistan Lahore’s commitment to supporting the girls and strengthening an inclusive environment in which their abilities and aspirations can flourish
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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