THE KP government’s Rs370m assistance programme for persons with disabilities is a positive step, not only in terms of material support but also the use of more respectful terminology. However, our journey towards genuine inclusion requires more than semantic changes and financial packages. While legislation such as the Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981, the more recent Disability Rights Act, and provincial laws exist on paper, implementation is weak. The promised 2pc job quota in government departments is rarely fulfilled, and most workplaces lack basic accessibility features. Our urban infrastructure — from public transport to government buildings — remains largely inaccessible, effectively excluding a portion of our population from public life.

KP’s initiative can be a model for other provinces, but must go beyond financial assistance. True inclusion demands major reform. The federal government must focus on integrating our disability laws into provincial and municipal frameworks. Infrastructure projects must adhere to universal design principles, ensuring physical accessibility in schools, workplaces, and transport. More importantly, social attitudes must shift through awareness campaigns that challenge stereotypes and promote the idea of equal opportunities for PWD. Education plays a critical role in this regard. Public and private educational institutions must be incentivised to create inclusive environments, while training programmes should equip teachers to cater to diverse needs. Similarly, while several companies have employed PWD, making this practice the norm, providing vocational training opportunities can enable them to lead economically independent lives. Most crucially, policy planning must directly involve PWD, following the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’. Digital accessibility should also be prioritised alongside physical infrastructure, ensuring government services and information are available to all citizens regardless of ability. We must ensure PWD are not merely supported but also empowered to thrive as equal members of society.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2025