Staff Reporter
Speaker Asad Qaiser chaired the first-ever meeting of the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Disabled Persons on Wednesday in Islamabad regarding the inclusion, uplift and mainstreaming of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan.
Speaker stated that the Special Committee will undertake comprehensive stakeholders’ consultation to develop a roadmap to capitalize on the potential of differently abled persons as productive citizens of the state. Mr. Asad Qaiser stated that an affirmative action based program was a prerequisite step to uplift the lives of the people with disabilities.
Referring to enhancing inclusion of the differently abled persons in the national development processes, he highlighted that the Committee will effectively advocate for protection of their rights.
The members of the National Assembly appreciated the efforts of the Speaker National Assembly with reference to the protection of rights of the Persons with Disabilities. The representatives of various organizations working for people with Disabilities briefed the Committee on the hurdles, existing policies, and barriers to uplifting the lives of people with disabilities. The Speaker constituted the sub-committee for the review of the existing and pending laws, study of the best international practices and conventions and potential proposals. The forum was informed at length about the background, scope, purpose and significance of the Committee.
