KARACHI, May 22: President General Pervez Musharraf on Monday praised the services being rendered by Layton Rehmatullah Benevolent Trust towards the cause of curing the blind in the country.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a dinner hosted by the LRBT on completion of 20 years of its services. The dinner was attended, among others, by Begum Sehba Pervez Musharraf, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan and a large number of heads of corporate organisations, banks and financial institutions.

President Musharraf conveyed the gratitude to the Trust on behalf of the entire nation for providing modern eye treatment facilities to the poor people through its network of 14 hospitals and 34 primary care centres. He noted with delight that the Trust treated over 10 million people free of cost.

Referring to the 15th hospital project of the Trust to be set up in Mansehra at a cost of Rs50 million, the president announced a contribution of Rs2 million for the project and another Rs1 million on behalf of the governor. He also announced that after collecting funds from the donors whatever the remaining shortfall would be met by him.

He said that the hospital project was planned in Mansehra, which was located in earthquake zone and greatly suffered by the Oct 8th earthquake. He said that the ERRA, which was working for rehabilitation in quake-hit areas, could also contribute to the hospital project.

He noted that the Pakistan Baitul Maal was already contributing to the noble cause of Layton Rehmatullah Benevolent Trust but still, if required, the organisation would extend further help to the Trust. He asked the LRBT to go along with its plan to construct and make what the society and the population needed there.

Gen Musharraf observed that 40 per cent reduction in the incidence of blindness in the country was very commendable and its spoke of the commitment and dedication of the Trust towards a noble task.

He said that every soul had a right to participate in life’s activities and even any physical impairment should not deprive them of this right. He pointed out that world over research was going on various diseases including eye diseases and suggested the LRBT to think about doing research in this field here in Pakistan.

He emphasised that in all fairness, it was the society’s responsibility as a whole that the blind should be treated as normal people. The government, he told the gathering, had made the blind eligible for appearing in Civil Service exams and had inducted many of them into service.

On the occasion, when President Musharraf was introduced to the 10 millionth patient, a child, he posed for a photograph with him along with Sindh Governor Ishratul Ibad and others.

Earlier, LRBT Chairman Khawaja Zafar Hasan welcomed the president and highlighted the activities of LRBT. He said that 1.8 per cent of population suffered from blindness which in 88 per cent cases was curable.

He said that the LRBT had completed its 20 years and crossed the figure of 10 millionth patient treated. He said this function was originally scheduled last year but because of some reasons it was being held in the 21st year when the number of patients treated also reached 11 millionth.

He said the treatment facility being provided to patients by the LRBT was totally free and provided without any discrimination. “No one would go blind if he cannot afford the treatment cost,” he remarked.

The function was also addressed by Farrukh Captain, Chairman Pakistan Human Development Corporation.

Later, President Pervez Musharraf unveiled a plaque marking the commemoration of 20 years of existence of the Layton Rehmatullah Benevolent Trust.

—APP