Let's Make Pakistan Disability Inclusive

The success of any nation depends upon the inclusion of all its society members regardless of age, gender, identity, race, and disability. Inclusive nations are powerful nations because their values revolve around incorporating diversity in the workforce. People with disabilities are not in any way less capable of working than people without disabilities.

Disability is a condition caused due to physical, cognitive, or mental impairment faced by individuals. They face challenges on a daily basis and persevere. They run households and are fully integrated into society. Their disabilities are not hindrances but rather driving forces for them to achieve the very best in their lives.

Disabled people should be given equal avenues for employment, education, growth, health, and social inclusion. In Pakistan, a number of organizations are working for the equal rights of disabled individuals, like Roshni Association, NOWPDP, NDF Pakistan, Saaya Association, and The Rising Sun Education and Welfare Society.

These organisations work to make disabled persons self-reliant and independent. The old norm of casting away disabled persons and making them rely on alms and charity is long gone. The sense of deprivation must be eradicated by government organisations. Skill-based centers are also being established in the major cities of Pakistan to ensure their employment. Registration of persons with disabilities with the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to become eligible for particular government schemes has been initiated too.

Disability law in Pakistan has also seen some groundbreaking inclusions under the jurisdiction of the Article 184(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan. The framework of the legislation has been modeled like the International Human Rights Bill. The developments prohibit discrimination and tell the institutions of Pakistan to go the extra mile for people with disabilities. Numerous seminars and conferences are being held to break stigmas associated with people with disabilities and also serve as a platform to foster collaboration, initiate policy proposals, and enhance understanding of accessibility, safe public spaces, and equal rights.

Apart from this, technology can play a beneficial role in the lives of people with disabilities. Equipping them with technical and professional skills will make them independent. It can increase accessibility and promote inclusion. It is vital for our country to open up disability resource centers and bring together people with disabilities to encourage togetherness, harmony, and freedom.

Social Inclusion is also crucial for disabled persons. For the formation of a progressive society, it is imperative to promote social inclusion, as disabled persons are at higher risk of social exclusion. A sense of ‘us and them’ should be replaced with the sense of ‘us.’ This kind of discrimination can hinder various pathways of everyday life for disabled people, like employment opportunities, inability to keep up with daily necessities, i.e., education, health, housing, and the failure to participate as normal individuals in relationships and social activities. 

In conclusion, policies must be made to include people with disabilities in every way a person without disabilities is included. Only then can we call this country a country of diverse people with diverse goals.