Lahore: Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a series of events held across the country. The central ceremony took place at Mansoorah, Lahore, where 1,000 wheelchairs were distributed among persons with physical disabilities, while visually impaired participants received white canes and gift packs. Breakfast arrangements were also made for all special participants.Representatives from the Blind Association and various disability organizations attended and appreciated Alkhidmat's services.Vice President Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, Zikar Ullah Mujahid, Patron Alkhidmat Lahore Zia uddin Ansari, President Alkhidmat Lahore Engr. Ahmad Hammad Rasheed, and Dr. Ijaz Nazir addressed the ceremony. Mujahid said that persons with disabilities are a resilient and inspiring part of society, deserving equal opportunities and dignified, independent living. He noted that most Alkhidmat Offices are equipped with wheelchair ramps, while planning is underway for r amp installation in the remaining offices.During the ceremony, the 'Bano Qabil IT Centre' for persons with disabilities was also inaugurated, where participants will be able to enroll in 28 free IT courses, enabling better access to employment and skill development.Mujahid said Pakistan is estimated to have around 27 million persons with disabilities, a large proportion of whom live in underprivileged areas with limited access to basic facilities. He added that Alkhidmat Foundation has distributed over 52,000 wheelchairs since 2012, alongside organizing indoor sports festivals and other welfare programmes for persons with disabilities.Speaking on the occasion, Ziauddin Ansari highlighted that although disability-related laws exist in Pakistan, implementation remains weak. He said the 2% job quota for persons with disabilities is rarely observed in government and private institutions.Representatives from Hamza Foundation, Rights of Special Persons, World Voice for the Blind, and Jannat Welfare Foundati on were also present.