Sargodha, Pakistan – October 7, 2025 : To mark World Sight Day 2025, Sightsavers, in collaboration with COAVS and the Government of Punjab, has launched the Pakistan Inclusive Eye Health (PIEH) Project in District Sargodha. The initiative aims to strengthen inclusive eye health services at the primary level, ensuring equitable access to quality eye care for all particularly for marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.
The event brought together distinguished guests, including Mr. Khawaja Imran Nazir, Provincial Minister for Health & Population; Dr. Asad Aslam Khan, Provincial Coordinator for Blindness Control Program; Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS and Pro-Vice Chancellor KEMU; Ms. Munazza Gillani, Country Director – Pakistan & Middle East, Sightsavers; along with senior representatives from the Health Department, CEOs Health, CSOs, journalists, and community volunteers.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Khawaja Imran Nazir, Provincial Minister for Health & Population, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to equitable health care, and said, “Let us ensure that no child is deprived of education, no adult of livelihood, and no elderly person of independence simply because of a lack of access to eye care. The Health & Population Department, Punjab, is committed to extending every possible support to strengthen primary-level services and enhance access to eye care across the province.”
Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS and Pro-Vice Chancellor KEMU, emphasized the project’s transformative potential emphasized, “Guided by the Chief Minister Punjab’s vision and supported by Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir, the PIEH project will create a lasting social impact by providing equitable access to quality eye care for millions. We value our collaboration with Sightsavers to strengthen eye care services within the primary health system in Punjab.”
Highlighting the global relevance of the day, Ms. Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan & Middle East, Sightsavers, stated that “Today, we unite to emphasize the importance of eye health and vision care. With millions worldwide suffering from preventable vision impairment, it is vital to make eye care accessible to all. Through partnerships like the PIEH Project, we move closer to achieving inclusive and equitable health systems.”
Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Provincial Coordinator for the Blindness Control Program, also commended the Government of Punjab and Sightsavers for their continued efforts toward strengthening eye health systems and supporting inclusive service delivery.
The Pakistan Inclusive Eye Health Project, supported by Sightsavers and implemented by COAVS, CHIP, and LRBT, focuses on building the capacity of healthcare workers, improving accessibility and quality of eye care services at the primary level, and promoting community engagement to increase awareness and utilization of services.
