ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party’s Human Rights Cell (PPP-HRC) has urged the government to dedicate disability budget in the National Assembly draft, as preparations for the upcoming financial year’s budget have begun.

Vice President of Cell Zulqurnain Asghar, speaking to mediapersons, said inclusion requires budget allocation for accessibility.

“Jobs syllabi must match the potential of persons living with disabilities. Quota appointments are made below qualifications, with blocked promotions and lower-grade housing allotments,” he added.

He urged federal and provincial authorities to fund accessible infrastructure, tailored syllabi, fair employment scales and housing policies.

“Disability budgeting is not charity; it’s equity, dignity and constitutional rights. Without a budget, inclusion is just a slogan,” Asghar, who is visually impaired, added.

He expressed concern over the current economic crisis, which has distressed individuals with disabilities.

He said that due to financial constraints, incidents of gender-based violence with disabled women were increasing.

“Disability and poverty correlate with each other and ultimately affect people living with disabilities (PLWDs) and their families; diversity, types, and degrees of impairment, discrimination, lack of economic and employment opportunities are major contributing factors in the nexus of disability and poverty,” said Mr Asghar.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026