Tag: visually impaired

  • Pakistan’s first visually impaired diplomat set to publish book on Indian Kashmir abuses

    Pakistan’s first visually impaired diplomat set to publish book on Indian Kashmir abuses

    Pakistan’s first visually impaired United Nations (UN) delegate Saima Saleem has announced her upcoming book, written on the topic of human rights violations happening in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

    On the occasion of World Braille Day, Saima said, “Working for human rights is my passion, and my book is also written on the topic of gross and systematic human rights violations happening in IIOJK. It is in the last phase of editing and I will try my best to get that published in Braille as well.”

    She believes that people with disabilities can become useful and productive for society if attitudinal and access barriers can be removed for them.

    Saleem is the first blind civil servant and the first blind diplomat of Pakistan. This is her first book.

    She made history at the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with a speech that she read from Braille- tactile code enabling blind and visually impaired people to read and write by touch.

    Saleem holds a master’s degree in international law with a specialisation in international humanitarian law and human rights from the University of Geneva.

  • Student from Swat invents vibrating ‘smart shoes’ for visually impaired

    A matric student from Swat has invented  “smart shoes” for visually impaired people that warn them with a sound or vibration about any obstacle on their path within a radius of 120 centimeters.

    The 17-year-old told Arab News he had an interest in repairing and fixing damaged battery-operated toys and this is how he entered the world of innovation.

    “Visually impaired people will no longer need walking sticks or guides after smart shoes acquire popularity,” Wasiullah said.

    “The shoes are fixed with ultrasonic sensor and Arduino board to keep blind people safe while they are walking. Such individuals can get prior notification of any looming hindrance.”

    Physics teacher Muhammad Farooq said Wasiullah was his most bright student and that he had planned to design a new type of wheelchair to help visually impaired people navigate their surroundings, but he could not afford its financial constraints. 

    Financial problems did not hold him back and he came up with “vibrating shoes” instead.

    “I still believe he has the potential to emerge as a leading scientist if he gets proper coaching and opportunity,” Farooq said.

    “Smart shoes for visually impaired people are available in foreign countries,” Farooq said. “But their prices are beyond the reach for many in Pakistan. The government should own the project because the shoes Wasiullah has made are comparatively cheaper and more affordable.”

    Mian Sayed, a social activist from Swat, has seen Wasiullah’s smart shoes and is positive that they could even become an export product. 

    Wasiullah said the price of a pair of his smart shoes can be fixed at Rs4,500 ($26), but he would not be able to manage production himself as he also needs to finance his studies himself. 

    An opportunity may come from the local government.

    Sajid Shah, head of the provincial directorate general of science, told Arab News the shoes will soon be evaluated by experts.

    “After evaluation by our scientists,” he said, “our department will promote the project of smart shoes invented by Wasiullah for commercial purposes.” 

  • ‘Stop harassing him’: Murad Ali Shah helps visually impaired street vendor

    ‘Stop harassing him’: Murad Ali Shah helps visually impaired street vendor

    Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah recently stopped at a roadside stall set up by a visually impaired old man in Karachi to address his complaints.

    As per reports, the old man requested different Karachi authorities, including the chief minister, by writing a note on a board behind his refrigerator that stated: “Please don’t harass me and have mercy on this old man.”

    Murad Ali Shah was reportedly on a visit to a location nearby when he spotted the board and stopped to have a cold drink. CM Shah, along with other ministers, asked the man who was troubling him. The man replied that the police and the administration were creating some problems for him.

    CM Shah instantly called Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) East, SSP East and the Administrator KMC and asked them not to bother the elderly man.

    CM also told them that they should buy soft drinks from the man whenever they visit the area.

    Murad said that the man is working hard to earn an honest livelihood to fulfil the needs of his children. “This old man is the best example of hard work and self-sacrifice and we need to encourage him,” he further said.