ISLAMABAD:Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Friday said that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have as much right as any other citizen to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health and education as well as equality of opportunity in other fields without discrimination.
Speaking here in a ceremony held in connection with International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021, he highlighted the efforts being made from government side and told that Special Committee on Persons with Disabilities formed pursuant to the ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2020.
The event was organized in collaboration with Special talent exchange program (STEP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with the global theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-covid-19 world”.
The Special Committee in the last one year has made efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan was translated to Braille for the first time ever in the country’s history, the Speaker added. He acknowledged the contribution of UNFPA towards empowering women with disabilities in Pakistan
He said that an MOU has been signed between an organization run by persons with disabilities STEP and the National Assembly. This MOU has been inked to facilitate the recently established parliamentary committee on disability to have voices of persons with disabilities before policy recommendations and decisions.
The Committee is currently reviewing all existing laws related to persons with disabilities to address all shortcomings and align the laws with best international practices and conventions. Speaker’s Special Initiative – Making Parliament Accessible was also launched on the day with an aim to further facilitate persons with disabilities.
Muhammad Atif Shiekh Executive Director – Special Talent Exchange Program, thanked Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser for his commitment and efforts for ease of accessibility and other requirements of persons with disabilities. He said that effective implementation of the legislation is possible through strategic coordination of all ministries and departments and engaging organizations led by persons with disabilities. He emphasized that disability is not only the mandate of ministry of health or social welfare, rather it is a cross cutting issue.
Addressing the participants, Abia Akram Director Programs, STEP said persons with disabilities especially women need sharing equally in the distribution of power and influence and having equal opportunities for financial independence, education and realizing their personal ambitions.
As a representative of young girls with disabilities Zala Qaiser emphasized on creating awareness about the rights of girls and women with disabilities leading toward a dignified life and protection from violence and discrimination in the country.
Country representative of UNFPA Dr. Bakhtior Kadirov acknowledged the political will to address the concerns of persons with disabilities at policy making level commitment of Speaker National Assembly towards the empowerment and mainstreaming girls and women with disabilities in the society who are still living on the margins of the society with least representation at the policy tables. He ensured to continue the support UNFPA has been extending for last three years to address the issues of discrimination and violence against women with disabilities in Pakistan.