KARACHI, June 10: Federal minister for special education, Dr Attiya Inayatullah, on Monday, said that the national policy for disabled persons will be finalized soon.

She was speaking at a meeting with NGOs at Qaideen Special Education Centre in Gulistan-i-Jauhar.

The minister pointed out that the task force for the disabled had submitted its recommendation after consultations with the stake holders and the government was considering them for implementation.

She said that the draft policy will be submitted to the Federal Cabinet in August, for approval.

Every province had two members in the task force.

She said that army-monitoring teams had also assisted the government in its efforts and visited 54 organizations of disabled all over the country. They have prepared a study on their management and working and how to further improve their working.

Begum Inayatullah said that about six million people are disabled in the country. “They have the same right to live that others have. We have been analysing as to what has been done for special people so far in the country and we want to see concrete results in rehabilitation of the disabled,” she observed.

She said that the government was working on a bill to make an amendment in the law for increasing the share of disabled from one to two per cent.

This amendment will be made after various considerations.

She underlined the need to spread awareness among the masses about special people and their rights.

They are a part of the society and should be treated with love so that they do not feel alone, she added.

She said that the society has to shoulder the responsibility of dealing with the disabled.

The minister pointed out that the government was working on a policy where both the public and private sector should work collectively to deal with the disabled.

Appreciating the contribution of NGOs towards the cause of special people, she said that they are doing standard work with commitment.

She said that a UNESCO team that visited Pakistan last year held a survey about the teaching system and curriculum of the disabled.

Dr Attiya said that a national trust for the disabled was formed by a previous government with a fund of Rs500 million. The present government was trying to revive this trust with the help of better management.

Earlier, director of the centre, Farid Ahmed Yousufani, in his welcome address, highlighted the aims and objectives of the centre.—APP