Pakistan Association of the Blind Khyber Pakhtunkhwah

10/04/2026

A Tribute to Dedicated Service
On behalf of Pakistan Association Of The Blind National Official, we share this message with profound respect and deep sadness regarding the transfer of Capt Retired Asif Iqbal Asif, former Director General of the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE).
Serving from 3rd December 2024 to 8th April 2026 — a period of one year and four months — his leadership brought unprecedented transformation to special education in the federal capital. In that short span, the DGSE achieved what had not been accomplished in the last 40 years.
His focus on persons with disabilities, especially visually impaired individuals, was exemplary. Key initiatives under his guidance included:
🎧 Audio books for students with visual impairment
📖 Braille training programs
⚽ Sports opportunities for the blind
🏛️ Revamping of all special education centres
🔧 Upgrading of Maktoum Centre, National Institute of Special Education - NISE Islamabad., National Mobility and Independence Training Center NMITC, and National Library & Resource Centre
Beyond policy, he demonstrated profound personal commitment — frequently visiting hostels at night, eating alongside students, bringing sweets and treats, and engaging with children as part of a supportive environment. He consistently advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities and children with disabilities, ensuring they were given leading roles in every initiative.
We are deeply saddened by his transfer. Given his remarkable services, it is our sincere wish that he be brought back to this position, so that persons with disabilities — especially visually impaired persons — may continue to benefit from his remaining services and compassion.
We pray for his long, healthy, and blessed life ahead. The entire special education community, and the Pakistan Association of the Blind (National), will forever remember his dedication, warmth, and relentless pursuit of dignity and opportunity for every individual with disability.
Regards
Qari Saad Noor
Secretary General
PAB (National)

18/03/2026

As the blessed occasion of Eid draws near, the Pakistan Association of the Blind Khyber Pakhtunkhwah (PAB), in collaboration with the Government Institute for the Visually Impaired Children Peshawar (GIVIC), organized a heartwarming ceremony of Eid Celebration and Gift Distribution on 16 March 2026.

The event was filled with joy, compassion, and the true spirit of giving. Eid dresses and Eidi were lovingly distributed among 45 deserving visually impaired students, making their festive moments even more special. In addition, financial assistance amounting to Rs. 0.1 million was distributed among 15 students to support their needs.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Secretary General, Finance Secretary, Senior Vice President, Secretary Education of PAB, along with the Principal, dedicated teachers, proud parents, and enthusiastic students of GIVIC Peshawar.

This beautiful initiative truly reflects the essence of Eid — spreading happiness, sharing blessings, and uplifting those in need. 🌙💫

27/02/2026

A Historic Milestone: Inauguration of Inclusive Braille Academy at University of Peshawar

We are delighted to share a landmark achievement for disability inclusion in higher education — the inauguration of the first-ever Inclusive Braille Academy at the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar.

This pioneering initiative has been made possible through the strenuous and dedicated efforts of the Pakistan Association of the Blind, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following an MoU signed in January 2025. It reflects a strong commitment to , , and equal educational opportunities for students with visual impairment.

The ceremony was graced by Mr. Muhammad Khalid Zaman, Honorable Director Social Welfare Department, as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by:

Qari Saad Noor, President, Pakistan Association of the Blind

Dr. Anwar Alam, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peshawar

Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Chairman, Department of Social Work

Ms. Palwasha Sajjad, Assistant Director Social Welfare

Mr. Awais Alam, Special Education Teacher

Mr. Muhammad Arif, Principal, School for Visually Challenged Students

Mr. Rizwan Marwat, Director, Special Education Complex

Respected faculty members, students, and visually impaired scholars

The Inclusive Braille Academy will equip visually impaired students with Braille literacy, digital skills, and assistive technology training, enabling them to achieve independence, enhance employability, and actively participate in academic and social life. The academy also aligns with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly in the areas of accessibility, inclusive education, and employment.

This facility will serve as a rehabilitative learning laboratory for the newly introduced BS and MS programs in Social Policy and Rehabilitation, preparing future professionals with practical competencies in inclusive development and disability-sensitive social policy.

At a time of financial constraints in many universities, the Department of Social Work has demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to social justice by prioritizing inclusion through partnerships and community engagement. This initiative is fully aligned with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan’s policies on disability inclusion and sets a model for other universities across the country.

It is envisioned that this Braille Academy will soon be upgraded into a separate department at the University of Peshawar, further strengthening inclusive higher education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Directorate of Social Welfare, the University of Peshawar, and all partners and stakeholders who made this historic milestone possible.

Together, we are moving towards an equitable, accessible, and inclusive higher education system where students with visual impairment are recognized as active contributors to academic excellence and social development.








University of Peshawar

27/02/2026

& Eid Support for Visually Impaired Persons – Peshawar

On 14th February 2026, a compassionate initiative was organized in Peshawar where Ramadan Food Packages and Eid dresses were distributed among 25 deserving persons with visual impairment.

This thoughtful support helped ensure that our visually impaired brothers and sisters can observe the holy month of Ramadan with dignity and joy, and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with new clothes and essential food items. Such efforts bring not only material assistance but also happiness, confidence, and a sense of belonging to the community.

We sincerely appreciate and extend our special thanks to Pakistan Disable Foundation for their generosity, kindness, and commitment towards the welfare of persons with disabilities. Their contribution has made a meaningful difference in the lives of the beneficiaries and their families.

May this noble act be rewarded abundantly and may we continue to work together for an inclusive and caring society.

27/02/2026

Alhamdulillah! Ramadan Support for Visually Impaired Community

On 14th February 2026, a meaningful and compassionate initiative was carried out in which cash assistance of Rs. 10,000 was distributed among 100 deserving persons with visual impairment to support them in meeting their essential needs during the blessed month of Ramadan.

This generous financial support has provided much-needed relief and dignity to individuals who often face significant economic challenges. Through this assistance, the beneficiaries will arrange their Ramadan ration and daily necessities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TARS Foundation ترس فاؤنڈیشن for their remarkable generosity, commitment, and continued support towards the welfare and empowerment of persons with visual impairment. Their noble contribution has brought smiles to many faces and has made this Ramadan more comfortable and hopeful for our community.

Such initiatives not only provide financial help but also strengthen the spirit of inclusion, compassion, and social responsibility.

May Allah bless the donors and the entire team of TARS Foundation for their kindness and reward them abundantly.

01/01/2026

01/01/2026

🌟 Lighting the Path to Independence in Mirpur Khas Division 🌟

Pakistan Association of the Blind (PAB), with the valued support of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE (DEPD), Government of Sindh, successfully organized an Assistive Devices Distribution Ceremony for visually impaired students and persons of Mirpur Khas Division on 31 December 2025, in collaboration with the Regional Director, Mirpur Khas Division.

The assistive devices were distributed by Mr. Riaz Hussain Memon, President, PAB, and Mr. Qari Saad Noor, General Secretary, PAB, highlighting PAB’s unwavering commitment to , , and of persons with visual impairment.

These initiatives are transforming lives by promoting , , and independent living—bringing us closer to a society where no one is left behind.

✨ Accessibility is not a privilege, it is a right.

01/01/2026

✨ **Bringing Independence** ✨

On 30 December 2025, Pakistan Association of the Blind (PAB), with the generous support of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE(DEPD), Government of Sindh, proudly conducted an **Assistive Devices Distribution Program** for visually impaired students and persons of **Benazir Abad Division** in collaboration with the **Regional Director, Benazir Abad Division**.

The assistive devices were personally distributed by **Mr. Riaz Hussain Memon, President, PAB**, and **Mr. Qari Saad Noor, General Secretary, PAB**, reaffirming PAB’s strong commitment to , , and equal opportunities for persons with visual impairment.

Such initiatives play a vital role in enabling , , and living, paving the way toward a more and Accessible society.

🌈 **Empowerment begins with access — and access begins with action.**

31/12/2025

🌟 Empowering Lives Through Assistive Technology 🌟
On 29 December 2025, Pakistan Association of the Blind (PAB), with the kind support of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, MSJE, Government of Sindh, successfully organized a Distribution Ceremony of Assistive Devices for visually impaired students and persons of Sukkur Division.
The activity was carried out in close collaboration with the Regional Director, Sukkur Division, on 29 December 2025. A range of assistive devices were distributed to enhance independent living, education, and mobility for persons with visual impairment.
PAB remains committed to promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across the province and the country.
🤝 Together, we move towards a more inclusive and empowered society.

05/12/2025

🌍 PAB Participation in National Conference on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On 3rd December 2025, Mr. Saad Noor, General Secretary of the Pakistan Association of the Blind (PAB), participated in the inauguration ceremony of the Three-Day National Conference organized by the in connection with the at National Skill University Islamabad.

During his address, Mr. Saad Noor shed light on the challenges faced by across the country, particularly the visually impaired community. He emphasized the urgent need for the Government, policy makers, law enforcement agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and the general public to:

🔹 Uphold the rights of Persons with Disabilities
🔹 Ensure their dignity and equal participation
🔹 Work collectively to build an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society

PAB remains committed to advocating for the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities and continues its efforts to promote inclusion at all levels.

19/11/2025

Press Conference of Persons with Disabilities on 17 November 2025