LAHORE : Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities (NOWPDP) and Hassan Shehryar Yassin (HSY), Global Brand Ambassador of NOWPDP, hosted an inclusive Rickshaw March 2026 at the historic Lahore Fort on Sunday to highlight the importance of inclusive mobility and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
According to a press release, the occasion witnessed customised rickshaws travelled from the Picture Wall to the Royal Kitchen of the Lahore Fort, translating policy dialogue into visible action. Beyond providing accessible mobility, the retrofitted vehicles create tangible entrepreneurship and business opportunities for persons with disabilities, enabling them to navigate public spaces with greater confidence and independence.
A formal ceremony followed, attended by key ministers, development sector representatives, corporate partners and social advocates. Guests were introduced to NOWPDP’s mandate, milestones and measurable impact, followed by a powerful rendition of the national anthem performed by persons with disabilities.
Interactive engagement zones transformed the historic venue into an experiential platform for awareness and action. Inclusive art installations, disability simulation experiences, including the Blind Walk, assistive technology showcases, and presentations by programme beneficiaries gave attendees direct insight into both the challenges and the solutions shaping disability inclusion in Pakistan. In his Keynote speech as Chief Guest, Dr Shakeel Bhatti, CM’s Adviser on Education, positioned inclusion within a governance framework: ‘Inclusion must move beyond dialogue into policy and practice. NOWPDP demonstrates how collaboration can remove systemic barriers and expand opportunity.’
He emphasised that sustained impact will only be possible when public policy, employers and education systems move in alignment, ensuring inclusion is embedded into institutional processes rather than treated as a standalone initiative.
Omair Ahmad, CEO, NOWPDP, reinforced the long-term vision behind the initiative: HSY emphasised the broader societal shift required ‘When persons with disabilities lead their own journeys, society moves forward with them.’
The occasion concluded with award distribution and partner acknowledgments, recognising the cross-sector collaboration that continues to power NOWPDP’s work.
