ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said Pakistan is committed to promoting the rights, well-being of persons with disabilities and all efforts would be made to include them in all spheres of society.

“Today, we are observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities which remind us to acknowledge the resilience, strength, and invaluable contributions of persons with disabilities and their families towards our society,” President Zardari said in his message.

Pakistan is firmly committed to ensuring the full participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all aspects of life, he said. In this regard, we have made significant strides in empowering and uplifting persons with disabilities through various legal and institutional frameworks.

The promulgation of the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020 stands as a landmark achievement, guaranteeing improved accessibility, vocational training, job opportunities, and an inclusive environment for PWDs in all walks of life, he said.

The establishment of the ICT Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Act is another critical step toward ensuring a comprehensive, coordinated, and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

This council will serve as a central body for policy formulation, implementation, and advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

President Zardari said that Pakistan recognised the importance of special education and training for persons with disabilities. To that end, we have developed a nationwide network of special education centres and vocational training institutes, catering to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, he said. These centres are designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become self-reliant and contributing members of society. Additionally, the implementation of a special quota in government jobs ensures that persons with disabilities have access to meaningful employment opportunities, he said.

While significant progress has been made, there remains much work to be done, he said. “We need to increase their access to assistive technology and public places and create legal, social and economic conditions to ensure their full participation in all sectors, including employment, sports, education and other socio-economic activities. We also need to provide an enabling environment for PWDs by providing them with quality education, skills, healthcare facilities, employment based on their skills and abilities, and fully implementing job quotas,” the president said.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024