Pakistan has signed Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for Visually Impaired Persons.

The treaty was signed by President Arif Alvi at a ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said since Pakistan is now signatory to the treaty; it will ensure free access of all published works to visually impaired persons. He said this will open doors of knowledge for them.   

The President also highlighted the steps taken to integrate persons with disabilities into the mainstream education system. He pointed out that there is a law in Pakistan stipulating that no institution can refuse admission to a person with a disability. He said the teachers are also being trained to handle the children with disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman IPO-Pakistan Farukh Amil said Marrakesh Treaty will enable the Government to ensure wider availability of printed material for the Visually Impaired community.

He said Pakistan's accession to the Treaty underscores the nation's resolve to help all its citizens, irrespective of the hurdles they may face in life.

Farukh Amil also thanked President Dr. Arif Alvi for his advocacy and all the stakeholders for their valuable contributions in materializing Pakistan's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty.