ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that the protection of fundamental rights of all citizens, especially persons with disabilities (PDs) and vulnerable segments and provision of equal facilities to all, were among the top priorities of the government.
In a message on the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)” observed on December 3, he said that the Government of Pakistan fully recognized the importance of protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and was working diligently to protect them.
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and participation to all citizens. People with disabilities are a central part of the social, societal and cultural fabric of our society. Physical limitations do not inhibit human mental abilities or rights,” the PM Office Media Wing quoted the prime minister in a statement as saying.
The premier said the day was observed across the world, including in Pakistan, with a firm commitment to ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in all aspects of life as an essential part of national development.
This year, the theme of the day was “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Society to Promote Social Progress,” he said, adding in this regard that all necessary and effective measures were taken to create a sympathetic, friendly and supportive society for persons with disabilities.
In the legal framework, he said, the federal and provincial disability rights provided the necessary legal protection for such individuals and these laws also provided the basis for their registration, assistance, support and other effective services.
The Prime Minister observed that the Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) were actively working to monitor rights and strengthen government policy initiatives.
In addition, other initiatives undertaken by the government which showed its commitment in this regard included fortnightly medical examinations, disability certificates for persons with disabilities, provision of assistive devices, skill development programmes, training to increase capacity, job quotas for persons with disabilities and measures to ensure easy access at workplaces, he added.
The Prime Minister further said that the government was committed to ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities at all levels and in all sectors of society.
The government has taken concrete steps to translate policies and commitments into practice and ensure that people with disabilities have access to education, health, employment and full participation in social life, he said, stressing that more effective measures are still needed to address the representation and problems in this part of society.
The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of the Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Ministry of Human Rights and said that the Ministry was working diligently to protect and strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The full inclusion of persons with disabilities is a test of the effectiveness and efficiency of the social system. It also serves as a reminder for us to further develop a comprehensive strategy to make the system more effective,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister called on the public, provincial governments, relevant private institutions, civil society, teachers and all leading members of society to join hands to move forward towards a destination where persons with disabilities could fully utilize their abilities and become an active part of society in a friendly and supportive environment.
Their commitment to protect the health, dignity and respect of all citizens, free from any form of discrimination or social inequality, should be unwavering, he stressed.
“Let us renew our pledge today to make even more cooperative and effective efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities so that we can fully fulfill our responsibilities in this regard,” he added.
