ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that protection of fundamental rights of all citizens, especially persons with disabilities and vulnerable segments, and provision of equality of services to all, were among the top priorities of the government.
In a message on the occasion of ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)’, which falls on December 3, he said that 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 to all citizens. People with disabilities are a key part of the social, social and cultural fabric of our society. Physical limitations do not hamper human mental capabilities or rights,” the Prime Minister said in a statement quoted by the media wing of the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said the day is celebrated across the world, including Pakistan, with a strong commitment to ensure protection of 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 societies that include people with disabilities to promote social progress,” he said, adding that in this regard all necessary and effective measures are being taken to create a society that is understanding, friendly and supportive for people 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 such persons and these laws also provide the basis for their registration, assistance, support and other effective services.
The Prime Minister noted that the Disability Rights Council 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 showed its commitment in this regard included medical examinations every 15 days, disability certificates for persons with disabilities, provision of assistive devices, skill development programmes, skill enhancement training, job 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 the society.
The government has taken concrete actions to turn policies and commitments into practical ones, ensuring that people with disabilities have access to education, health, employment and full participation in social life, he said, emphasizing that, however, more effective measures are still needed 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 that the ministry was working diligently to protect and strengthen the rights of people with disabilities.
“The full inclusion of people with disabilities is proof of the effectiveness and efficiency of the social system. It also serves as a reminder for us to continue developing a comprehensive strategy to make the system more effective,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister urged the public, provincial governments, relevant private institutions, civil society, teachers and all prominent members of the society to come together to move towards a destiny where persons with disabilities can fully utilize their capabilities and become an active part of the society in a friendly and supportive environment.
His commitment to protecting the health, dignity and respect of all citizens, free from any form of discrimination or social inequality, must be unwavering, he emphasized.
“Today, let us renew our commitment to make even more collaborative and effective efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, so that we can fully fulfill our responsibilities in this regard,” he added.
