Every year on December 3, the world observes the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to celebrate the resilience of people who are living with some disability. In Pakistan, according to the latest data, at least 9.67 per cent of the population is physically challenged or disabled, but even a cursory look at the country’s infrastructure would tell that this group is highly ignored. On that basis, policymakers should treat this day as a reflection of how far we have come and how far we still need to go. Disability in Pakistan has often been either pitied or hidden away. Schools without ramps or shadow helpers, workplaces without accessible technology, public spaces designed without universal access, buses that cannot accommodate wheelchairs and policies written without consultation reveal the many barriers people with disabilities are forced to overcome. That Pakistan has taken important steps on the policy front is commendable. However, the authorities concerned must realise that pledges and promises are meaningless unless backed by action.
There is little acknowledgement of the plight of people with disabilities. Children continue to be excluded from mainstream education due to a lack of trained teachers and accessible classrooms. On top of this, constant bullying and no friendships make such children even more depressed. Employment quotas, though well-intentioned, are frequently ignored or treated as box-ticking exercises. In a country where public infrastructure remains overwhelmingly inaccessible, people with disabilities struggle more to move around. Cultural attitudes, too, remain a major obstacle. Families often hide disability due to stigma. Such fears often stem from local TV dramas and the entertainment industry, where any form of disabilities is often shown as bad karma or divine punishment. There has been a shift in this as well. Many people who face disabilities have come forward on social media to document their lives and show the world their true potential.
Pakistan needs to realise that disability is not a minority issue and that it requires a large-scale policy. Any of us can join the disability community through illness, aging or accident. An inclusive society benefits everyone. At present, we deliberately push people with disabilities away, pushing them into a cycle of depression. True inclusion will require prioritising accessibility in all new public projects (designs that think beyond ramps), ensuring representation of persons with disabilities in policymaking, investing in inclusive education and enforcing employment protections. The strength of a nation is measured by how it uplifts those historically excluded from full participation. Countries are evolving and redesigning their public infrastructure to encourage mobility. Pakistan must follow the same path. Today should be a call to action. Our talented people need one push from the government. Once that’s done, there is no stopping for us.
