In response to ongoing protests by the Blind Action Committee outside Karachi Press Club, Tauha Ahmed Faruqui, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), has reiterated the department’s commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities, including the visually impaired. He emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures for employment under the government’s quota system.
The Blind Action Committee recently met with DEPD officials twice, demanding 500 regular government jobs for blind individuals based on a list they intended to provide. However, Faruqui clarified that jobs in grades 1 to 4 must be processed through the respective District Recruitment Committees (DRCs), as mandated by law and court directives.
He urged the committee to submit applications to DRCs when vacancies are announced, ensuring a transparent and lawful hiring process. Despite these explanations, the Blind Action Committee insisted on bypassing the legal process, threatening larger protests and a march to the Chief Minister’s house if their demands were not met.
Highlighting previous efforts, Faruqui noted that last year, 156 contingent jobs were provided to blind individuals, and numerous others, including those with different disabilities, have secured regular positions through DRCs.
He also underlined the DEPD’s ongoing support for NGOs like the Pakistan Association of Blind (PAB), Pakistan Disabled Foundation (PDF), and Ida Rieu, through grants and free Braille courses.
“The quota for persons with disabilities is inclusive of all categories, and while blind individuals are deserving, they must follow the established procedures,” Faruqui stated.
