The International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a powerful opportunity to renew our commitment to creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. You! takes a look…
inclusivity
Each year on December 3, the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ reminds us of our collective responsibility to build a world that welcomes everyone, not as an act of charity, but as a matter of rights and equality.
In Pakistan, the journey towards inclusion has been long and uneven. While awareness about disability rights has grown in recent years, real progress demands the implementation of laws, social acceptance and the creation of accessible environments. Persons with disabilities in Pakistan face barriers that are not only physical but also social and institutional. The day serves as a powerful opportunity to renew our commitment to creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive.
Disability is not always visible. It includes physical, sensory, intellectual and psychosocial conditions that may affect a person’s ability to interact with the environment. According to the World Health Organization, around 16 per cent of the global population lives with some form of disability. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics suggests that nearly six to eight million people live with disabilities.
For many, disability is still misunderstood. Cultural perceptions often associate it with pity, dependence or even divine punishment. It is important to shift these mindsets, from viewing disability as a personal tragedy to recognising it as a natural part of human diversity.
Pakistan has taken several measures to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The country ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in 2011, committing to equality and non-discrimination. The ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2020 and similar provincial laws in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), provide a legal foundation for accessibility, education and employment opportunities.
However, implementation remains weak. Many public buildings, transport systems and workplaces are still inaccessible. Policies that exist on paper rarely translate into practice.
Education is the foundation of independence, yet it remains out of reach for many children with disabilities in Pakistan. Schools often lack ramps, accessible toilets or trained teachers to accommodate special needs. In rural areas, the situation is even more difficult, with limited facilities or none at all. According to UNICEF, only a small percentage of children with disabilities are enrolled in formal education.
Inclusive education should not mean placing disabled children in regular schools without support. It should involve creating a system where every student, regardless of ability, can learn together, supported by assistive technologies, trained educators and flexible curricula. The Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) serves as a strong example of what inclusive education and skill-building can achieve. The Centre has empowered hundreds of young people with disabilities by providing vocational training, counselling and job placement support. Its success shows that with commitment and creativity inclusion is possible and can transform lives and communities.
Work gives people dignity and purpose, yet persons with disabilities in Pakistan are often excluded from the workforce. The 2 per cent job quota for disabled persons in government and private sectors exists, but compliance remains low. Employers may hesitate to hire them due to misconceptions about productivity or the cost of workplace adaptations. It is important to recognise that persons with disabilities can contribute effectively when given the right environment. Many excel in IT, customer service, education and creative industries. Companies like Telenor Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited have taken initiatives to promote inclusive hiring and accessible workplaces, setting examples for others to follow. The government can also encourage entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities by providing small business loans, training and access to digital platforms. With the rise of remote work and e-commerce, new opportunities are emerging that can break traditional barriers.
Accessibility is not just about ramps or elevators; it is about designing environments, products and services that everyone can use. From public transport to digital spaces, accessibility ensures equal participation. In Pakistan, however, most public areas remain inaccessible to people with mobility or visual impairments. Urban planners, architects and digital developers must adopt the principle of ‘universal design’, ensuring that accessibility is integrated at every stage of planning. Simple changes, such as tactile paths for the visually impaired, voice-assisted ATMs, sign language interpretation on television and captions in online videos, can make a world of difference. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and private telecom companies can also play a role by promoting accessible mobile technology, enabling persons with disabilities to communicate, learn and work independently.
One of the greatest barriers faced by the persons with disabilities is social stigma. Too often, they are seen as dependent or helpless. Media, education systems and community leaders can help change this perception by highlighting stories of empowerment rather than pity. Films, news and advertisements can portray persons with disabilities as achievers, athletes, artists, teachers and innovators, who contribute to society. Community-based awareness campaigns and inclusion in public events can also promote understanding and empathy.
Technology has become a powerful equaliser. Assistive technologies such as screen readers, speech-to-text tools and prosthetic innovations help persons with disabilities live more independent lives. In Pakistan, startups and universities are exploring low-cost technological solutions, from smart wheelchairs to hearing aids. The government can encourage innovation through grants and competitions focused on accessibility solutions. Collaboration between tech companies and disability rights organisations can further enhance inclusion in digital and physical spaces.
Real inclusion requires a whole-of-society approach. Government policies must be supported by community action, corporate responsibility and individual empathy. Every school, office and public space should reflect accessibility. Every citizen should understand that persons with disabilities do not need sympathy - they need opportunities, respect and rights. Pakistan has immense potential to become a model of inclusion in South Asia. With its youthful population, growing digital infrastructure and strong civil society, it can build a future where every ability is valued.
The writer is a seasoned journalist and a communications professional. He can be reached at [email protected]
