18 September 2004	Saturday	02 Shaban 1425

ISLAMABAD, Sept 17: Laws concerning physically and mentally- challenged people, approved by the government, are yet to be implemented. This was stated by assistant manager planning and development of a welfare department Nasir Nawaz here on Friday.

"A lot of work has been done during the time of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education Nilofar Bakhtiar. However, theory is yet to be put into practice to bring a healthy change in the lives of those who are mentally and physically challenged," Nasir Nawaz said.

Mr Nawaz, who himself is physically challenged, is the president of an NGO called Omang, an organization that manages a normal life for disabled people. He is also the director marketing 'Pakistan Special', the only magazine for people with disabilities.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Nawaz said: "We at Omang are asking the government to help those who are neglected by the communities. We are also part of the society." Criticizing the government for failing to create awareness among the masses, he said there were no programmes introduced by the government for teaching people on how to treat persons with disabilities.

"There are families which lack proper knowledge of basics on treating persons with disabilities and so are unable to take care accordingly." Introducing his concept of 'Pain in Common' that he believed could improve the quality of life of those with physical and mental disabilities, Mr Nawaz explained that this was one of the sustainable solutions to attain the desired goals for persons with disabilities.

"Maximum employment must be given to persons with disabilities according to their mental and physical status at various institutions working for their welfare.