FAID & MoHR Celebrate International Day of Older Persons
The Foundation for Ageing and Inclusive Development (FAID), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR), commemorated the International Day of Older Persons with a vibrant event attended by children, youth, and older people from diverse walks of life. The event was graced by the Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, as the chief guest.
In his welcome address, Mr. Abdul Khalique Shaikh, Secretary of Human Rights, emphasized that older people remain less visible in development compared to other vulnerable groups. He also shared MoHR’s initiatives for the implementation of the ICT Senior Citizens Act, 2021. The MOHR highlighted and shared the action taken so far for the senior citizen rights and privileges in a video documentary.
Syed Moeez-ud-Din, CEO of FAID, delivered key recommendations to MoHR, highlighting the need for intergenerational engagement, expanded digital literacy, scaled-up telemedicine, age-friendly infrastructure, and the establishment of the National Commission on Ageing under the finalized National Framework on Ageing. He stressed collaboration between ministries, public–private partnerships, and community-based initiatives to ensure healthy and inclusive ageing in Pakistan.
Dr. Nasser Mohiuddin represented the older people, who drew attention to the disproportionate impacts of climate change on older people and recommended reviewing health and climate change policies through an age-sensitive lens.
Endorsing FAID’s recommendations, the Federal Minister of Human Rights commended both MoHR and FAID’s collaborative efforts. He underscored the importance of making development age-friendly
and accessible for all, citing the example of age-friendly infrastructure such as zebra crossings in Islamabad.
The event concluded with the presentation of honorary shields to older people who have made significant contributions to their communities and society at large.
