University of Karachi (KU) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities by offering complete scholarships, ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed alongside other students.
KU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, made this announcement during the inaugural session of a two-day seminar titled “Amplifying the Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” organized by the KU Department of Special Education in observance of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the seminar, Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi emphasized the importance of moving beyond sympathy and fostering genuine encouragement for individuals with disabilities. He stressed the need for equal opportunities to ensure that special persons can thrive in society just like anyone else. “We need to provide the support that enables them to flourish in all spheres of life,” said Dr Iraqi.
The seminar, held at the Chinese Teachers’ Memorial Auditorium, aimed to empower disabled individuals and provide them with the skills necessary for a brighter future. Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi also highlighted the significance of accurate statistics on special persons for making informed, impactful decisions, particularly in relation to the implementation of the two percent quota for disabled individuals in government jobs. He emphasized that ensuring this quota is filled could transform many lives and help integrate special persons as productive members of society.
Engineer Professor Dr Vali Uddin, Vice Chancellor of UIT University, underlined the critical role of family support and societal awareness in the lives of special persons. He noted that neglect from family members can often hinder their ability to thrive.
“Raising awareness, especially among parents, is crucial,” he said, “so that these individuals are seen as valuable citizens, not victims of an inferiority complex.” Dr Vali Uddin also pointed out the gap between existing policies and their implementation, calling for a concerted effort to ensure these policies are enforced and that organizations dedicated to helping disabled individuals collaborate effectively. Dr Humaira Aziz, Chairperson of KU’s Department of Special Education, spoke on the importance of inclusive education for disabled individuals. She highlighted that the department, established in 1988, was the first platform in Pakistan to focus on integrating special persons into mainstream society through education.
