ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that protection of fundamental rights of all citizens, especially persons with disabilities (PDs) and vulnerable segments, as well as provision of equal facilities to all, were among the top priorities of the government.
In a message on the occasion of ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDP)’, observed on December 3, he said the Government of Pakistan fully recognizes the importance of safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities and is working diligently to protect them.
“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights and participation of all citizens. Persons with disabilities are a key part of the social, societal and cultural fabric of our society. Physical limitations do not hinder mental capabilities or human rights,” the Prime Minister was quoted as saying in a statement.
The Prime Minister said the day was celebrated across the world, including Pakistan, with a strong commitment to ensuring 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 “Promoting inclusive societies to advance social progress,” he said, adding in this regard that all necessary and effective measures were being taken to create a sympathetic, friendly and supportive society for persons with disabilities.
In the legal framework, he said, federal and provincial laws on the rights of persons with disabilities provide the necessary legal protection for these people and these laws also provide the basis for their registration, assistance, support and other effective services.
The Prime Minister observed that the Rights Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) were actively working to monitor rights and strengthen government policy measures.
Furthermore, other initiatives launched by the government that show its commitment in this regard include medical check-ups every 15 days, disability certificates for persons with disabilities, provision of assistive devices, skill development programs, training to improve capabilities, employment quotas for persons with disabilities and measures to ensure easy access to 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 had taken concrete steps to transform policies and commitments into practice, ensuring that persons with disabilities had access to education, health, employment and full participation in social life, he said, stressing that there remained, however, a need for more effective measures to address the representation and problems of this segment of society.
The Prime Minister also praised the efforts of the Disability Rights Council and the Ministry of Human Rights, saying the ministry was working diligently to protect and strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities.
“The full inclusion of people with disabilities is a test of the effectiveness and efficiency of the social system. It also reminds us that we need to further develop a comprehensive strategy to make the system more effective,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister urged the public, provincial governments, concerned private institutions, civil society, teachers and all important members of society to join hands to move towards a destination where persons with disabilities can fully utilize their abilities and become an active part of society in a friendly and supportive environment.
Their commitment to protecting the health, dignity and respect of all citizens, free from any form of discrimination or social inequality, must be unwavering, he stressed.
“Let us renew today our commitment to make even more collaborative and effective efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, so that we can fully assume our responsibilities in this regard,” he added.
