International Day of Disabled Persons is being commemorated today (December 03). The day of international observance has been promoted by United Nation since 1992.
Disabled or differently-abled persons are considered as oppressed who are underestimated by society and sometimes they also become a victim of stereotypical traditions. The day is observed every year as a call for collective action and policies regarding the welfare of the disabled community ensuring that their rights and dignity not to be exploited.
In Pakistan, less than 0.5% population are officially recorded as persons with disabilities according to the latest census conducted in 2017. However, the census results have remained a subject of debate due to some irregularities being observed by several experts and courts. Although there are reserved seats and quota for disabled people in educational institutes and government jobs in Pakistan, but the concerned authorities and different NGOs have always expressed that more issues are needed to be addressed.
Prime Minister Imran Khan and opposition leader Bilawal B. Zardari have shared their thoughts on the eve of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. PM Imran Khan has announced some relief for Special Persons on social media while Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman has said that differently-abled persons are an asset to every nation.
