CHALLENGES FACE BY DISABLE PERSONS IN PAKISTAN AND ITS REMEDY

 

In Pakistan, a developing country, all the vulnerable sections of society including Persons with disabilities faces variety of challenges for their progress. These challenges range from limited accessibility to insufficient social services provided to them by Government. Although Government of Pakistan has made international commitments regarding inclusivity and rights for disabled individuals and have also passed various laws to assist the disabled persons but in reality the situation is quite grim. The challenges faced by Persons with disabilities need urgent attention of the government.

One of the most pressing challenges for people with disabilities in Pakistan is the lack of accessible infrastructure. Public spaces, including transportation systems, sidewalks, and buildings, often lack ramps, handrails, and appropriate signs. This lack of accessibility makes it extremely difficult for individuals with mobility impairments to move around independently and participate fully in society. This issue isn't only about physical barriers but also reflects a lack of awareness about the diverse needs of disabled people.

Education is a fundamental right, yet disabled individuals in Pakistan often find themselves excluded from mainstream educational institutions. The availability of special education facilities remains limited, and even when they exist, the quality of education provided may not be up to the required standards. This exclusion from education severely hampers the future prospects of disabled individuals, denying them the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge that could empower them to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

The challenges faced by disabled people in Pakistan are often exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities. Many disabled individuals struggle to find employment opportunities due to discriminatory attitudes and inaccessible workplaces. This leads to a cycle of poverty and dependence on family members for support. The lack of inclusive vocational training programs further compounds the problem, leaving disabled individuals without the skills they need to compete in the job market. Although the government has decided to ensure 2% disability quota in jobs for disables but it has yet to be implemented in letter and spirit.

Deep-rooted societal attitudes towards disability contribute significantly to the struggles faced by disabled individuals in Pakistan. Stigma, misconceptions, and discriminatory behaviors persist, preventing disabled people from fully participating in social, cultural, and recreational activities. This exclusion not only affects their mental well-being but also perpetuates a cycle of marginalization.

Access to quality healthcare and rehabilitation services remains a significant issue for disabled individuals in Pakistan. Many disabled people require specialized medical care and assistive devices to manage their conditions and improve their quality of life. However, such services are often lacking or inaccessible, leaving them to cope with their disabilities without proper support.

While Pakistan has ratified international agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, translating these commitments into effective policies and regulations remains a challenge. There is a need for comprehensive legislation that guarantees the rights of disabled individuals across all aspects of life, including education, employment, accessibility, and social services.

The struggles faced by people with disabilities in Pakistan are a reflection of larger societal issues related to awareness, inclusivity, and equity. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that involves changing societal attitudes, improving accessibility, enhancing educational opportunities, providing adequate healthcare and rehabilitation services, and enacting effective policies that protect the rights of disabled individuals. By working collectively towards these goals, Pakistan can create a more inclusive and empowering environment for all its citizens, regardless of their abilities.

Government of Pakistan is taking keen interest to resolve the problems faced by Disable persons. A National Policy for Persons with Disabilities  was approved in 2002 which provides a framework for addressing the needs and rights of disabled individuals in various sectors, including education, employment, healthcare, and accessibility.

Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Act 2015 was passed by the parliament of Pakistan. This Act is a comprehensive legislation to facilitate the persons with disabilities. It ranges from ensuring 2% disability quota in Jobs for the Disable persons to give them special concession in educational fees, tickets and utility stores and import of special cars for their personal use. It approves their free treatment in government hospitals and provide them assistive devices like wheelchairs and discounts on tickets. Ordinance mandates that employers with 100 or more employees must reserve 2% of their jobs for disabled persons. It also addresses issues related to their employment and rehabilitation. Pakistan has also ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2011, which commits the country to taking measures to ensure the rights and well-being of disabled individuals.

The Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) provides financial assistance to vulnerable segments of the population, including disabled individuals, to alleviate poverty and improve their socio-economic conditions.

A department named National Council for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons (NCRDP) has been established to coordinate and monitor the implementation of policies and programs for disabled individuals.

The government has taken steps to promote inclusive education, integrating disabled students into mainstream schools. Special education institutions have also been established to cater to specific disabilities.

Efforts have been made to improve accessibility in public places and transportation. For instance, new construction projects are required to follow accessibility standards. The government has established special education centers across the country to provide education and vocational training to disabled individuals. Vocational training programs are offered to disabled individuals to enhance their skills and increase their chances of gaining meaningful employment.

Public and private sector organizations are encouraged to hire disabled individuals through affirmative action policies. In some cases, the government has provided assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, to disabled individuals to improve their quality of life.

Resolving issues for disabled individuals in Pakistan, as in any other country, requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses their various needs and challenges. Here are some steps that can be taken to improve the situation for disabled persons in Pakistan:

The Government of Pakistan needs to strengthen and enforce existing disability-related laws and policies, such as the " Disabled Persons (Employment and Rehabilitation) (Amendment) Act 2015" and the "National Policy for Persons with Disabilities 2002." And to ensure that these laws are in line with international standards, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Moreover, awareness campaigns needs to be conducted to change societal attitudes and perceptions towards disabled individuals and to promote a culture of inclusion and respect through media, educational institutions, and community initiatives. Government should also ensure that disable persons have equal access to quality education by providing assistive devices and accessible infrastructure along with trained teachers. Private sector should be encouraged to employ disabled individuals by providing incentives, tax benefits, and affirmative action programs.

It should be kept in mind that the issues faced by disabled individuals needs a long-term commitment and sustained efforts from various stakeholders, including the government, civil society, private sector, and the general public.