LAHORE: The provincial government on Friday told the Lahore High Court that an up-to-date version of the draft bill of the Punjab Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021 had been sent to the cabinet for its approval.

Social Welfare and Baitul Maal Department Secretary Hassan Iqbal also presented a copy of the draft bill to the court and stated it had been forwarded to the cabinet after holding consultative meetings with the stakeholders. However, he sought some more time to finalise the draft.

Justice Jawad Hassan observed that this was the first legislation made on the court’s direction for the empowerment of persons having disabilities, with the assistance of experts, including stakeholders, relevant departments and bodies.

The judge noted that the then chief justice, Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, now a Supreme Court judge, had made efforts to safeguard rights of the persons with disabilities (PWDs) and also passed landmark judgments being followed in Pakistan.

However, the judge regretted that the recommendations made by a commission in the report with regard to constructing buildings and public facilities accessible to the PWDs, had not so far been implemented.

The judge directed the secretary to submit the final Act after getting approval from the cabinet and the Punjab Assembly. The hearing was adjourned till Dec 17.

A physically challenged woman lawyer, Sana Khursheed, had filed a petition against the non-provision of basic facilities to such persons at the public places and buildings.

Justice Hassan observed that the issue pertained to the persons having disabilities, which after enactment of draft Act will be entitled to certain rights.

He appreciated the steps taken by the petitioner and the input given by her, along with other activists, who participated in the commission constituted by the court.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2021