Islamabad:Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to disability inclusion and women’s leadership as Sightsavers Pakistan, in collaboration with the National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD), hosted a national event marking three major milestones: the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), 40 years of Sightsavers’ work, and 15 years of the NFWWD’s advocacy and movement-building.
The gathering brought together government representatives especially Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, development partners, the EU Delegation, disability rights activists, and women leaders from across the country.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, attended as chief guest and commended the event for spotlighting the contributions of women with disabilities to Pakistan’s social and economic development.
“Pakistan’s future depends on how well we include and support women with disabilities. Their leadership is essential, not optional, for achieving national development goals,” he said, calling for stronger institutional support, policy implementation, and youth-focused opportunities that remain inclusive and accessible.
Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State, Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in her speech stressed, “I commend Sightsavers and NFWWD for promoting disability inclusion in Pakistan. Inclusive education requires a whole-of-government approach, with every institution contributing. The Government of Pakistan stands with women with disabilities, ensuring their full participation and leadership”.
A central theme of the event was the recognition of two milestone achievements: 40 years of Sightsavers Pakistan’s work on disability inclusion, eye health, and community empowerment, and 15 years of NFWWD, the country’s largest network dedicated entirely to women with disabilities.
During opening remarks, Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan and Middle East, Sightsavers reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to gender equity and disability inclusion, saying: “Empowering women with disabilities is not a symbolic gesture, it is a critical investment in a more equitable and prosperous Pakistan.”
Speakers noted that NFWWD has evolved from a small advocacy group into a national platform that has influenced policy commitments, strengthened grassroots leadership, and amplified the voices of women with diverse disabilities across all regions.
Abia Akram, CEO NFWWD, highlighted the network’s work on CRPD implementation, SDG commitments, and national disability rights frameworks. She said, “For 15 years, NFWWD has worked tirelessly to ensure that women with disabilities are not only seen but heard, respected, and included in decision-making.”
The EU Delegation Representative, Sebastien Lorion, Team Lead Governance and Human Capital highlighted the European Union’s long-standing partnership with Pakistan on disability rights and gender equality. “The European Union is proud to stand with Pakistan in amplifying the leadership of women with disabilities. Inclusive development is at the core of our global commitments,” the representatives noted.
The event also featured powerful TED-style talks led by women with disabilities from across Pakistan. The program concluded with renewed commitments from government representatives, development partners, and women leaders to accelerate disability-inclusive development ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
