Islamabad : Distribution Ceremony of 100 customized wheelchairs to thedifferently abled persons provided by the support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, as well as an exhibition of their paintings & handicrafts were held at the President’s House in Islamabad.

The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. ArifAlvi and First Lady SaminaAlvi, government officials, MPs, public and political figures, media representatives attended the event.

Before the official part of the event, paintings and handicrafts of the special persons were viewed by the President and First Ladyand the other participants of ceremony.

Welcoming the special persons and participants of the ceremony on behalf of the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, first lady of Azerbaijan Mrs. MehribanAliyeva, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada said that the rights and freedom, protection, decent living conditions of all persons with disabilities in the Republic of Azerbaijan are firstly guaranteed by the Constitution of Azerbaijan and as in Pakistan, their well-being is also under the constant attention of Azerbaijani government. Ambassador emphasized that a special role in the protection of persons with disabilities in Azerbaijan and beyond belongs also to Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan and by the initiative and support of the President of Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, Hilale-Pakistan, First Lady of Azerbaijan Mrs. MehribanAliyeva Heydar Aliyev Foundation continues implementation of the different healthcare, education, development, social and  humanitarian projects in Azerbaijan and beyond, including in brotherly Pakistan, with the aim to serve humanity and strengthen friendship between two fraternal nations. Ali Alizada extended his gratitude to Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its President Madam Aliyeva for support of welfare projects and for the special attention towards Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations. Ambassador noted that the full realisation of the rights and well-being of disabled persons demand enormous time and collective efforts and along with the distribution of customized wheelchairs, the holding an exhibition of the paintings and handicrafts of special persons has also the aim to bring their potential out, boost the self-confidence of disabled persons and showcase once again that disability is not inability, and by the support, love and protection special persons are enable to make reality their abilities. Mentioning the various programs for the welfare of disabled persons running by the Government of Pakistan Ambassador Ali Alizada thanked Dr.ArifAlvi,President of Pakistan for hosting this valuable event at Aiwan-e-Sadr and for his continued personal attention to this noble cause.

Noting the Heydar Aliyev Foundation numerous humanitarian projects in Pakistan, as well as in many other countries around the world,The Chief Guest of the event, President of Pakistan Dr. ArifAlvistressed that the implementation of such programs is really commendable and expressed his deep gratitude to the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, first lady of Azerbaijan Mrs.MehribanAliyeva. Expressing satisfaction with the high-level fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, the President reminded his visit to Azerbaijan for the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in 2019 and shared his impression by the special attention, care and hospitality shown to him in Azerbaijan.Speaking about the 44 daysPatriotic War of Azerbaijan, the President congratulated Government and people of Azerbaijan over the liberation of its lands from occupation and victory on the aggressor country Armenia and asked to convey his special felicitation to President of Azerbaijan IlhamAliyev.

Emphasizing  the importance of paying special attention to the persons with disabilities, President Dr.ArifAlvitalked about the projects being implemented by the government of Pakistan for further improvement of the welfare of persons with disabilities, and stressed the necessity to take care of them not only by the state but also by all public representatives.

At the end of the event 100 customized wheelchairsprovided by the support of Heydar Aliyev Foundation of Azerbaijan have been presented to the beneficiaries representing Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Directorate General Special Education, Army Special Education Academy and Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP).