Disabled people cry neglect

Karachi

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities Monday, physically handicapped persons accused the government of ignoring their rights as equal members of society.

A rally was held by the Disabled Welfare Association to draw the attention of the government and masses towards the plight of such persons.

Meanwhile, government representatives said they were providing every possible facility to assist people with physical disabilities.

Addressing the rally, Sindh Minister Rafique Engineer said if proper amenities were made available for the facilitation of such persons, they could lead a normal life.

The minister said that that government would provide all facilities, including education and employment opportunities, to address their concerns.

On the other, the association’s chairman Javed Raees alleged that the government was ignoring the disabled persons for last many years, thus increasing their sense of deprivation.

“A large number of disabled persons are highly educated. They have acquired modern education up to masters and doctorate levels, but they are running from pillar to post in search of employment,” he said.

He said the disabled persons also needed special attention during natural calamities, but deplored that they were the most ignored section of society on such occasions.

The disabled association’s chairman demanded of the government to devise a comprehensive strategy for the education and employment of such persons so that they could live an honourable and dignified life.

Seminar held

Persons with physical disabilities enjoy equal human rights as normal persons in any society around the globe; hence there is a need to create awareness about their rights, as they can lead a normal life with little facilitation, including the provision of artificial limbs and adequate training.

These views were expressed by experts at a seminar organised by the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Monday.

Experts said that over one billion people or approximately 15 percent of the world’s population lived with some form of disability and such persons often faced limitations with respect to participation in society.

The disabled do not have equal access to services, including education, employment, health care, transportation, political participation or justice.

They stressed that there was an urgent need to not only provide rehabilitation care but also introduce significant changes at community level to help them live as independent members of society.

DUHS Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Umer Farooq said the day celebrated the benefits derived from the integration of such persons in political, social, economic and cultural domains.

He said that there was also a need to emphasise on the precautionary measures that could stop the disease at its initial stages.

Dr Nabeela Soomro, the director of the Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (IPM&R), said the institute was the first of its kind in Pakistan.

Earlier, disabled children from the IPM&R performed skits and showed their talents.

MQM forms wing

A separate wing for special persons has been created in the Muttahida Qaumi Movement on the instructions of Altaf Hussain, the founder of the party.

“This wing shall comprise persons with disabilities. Names of the members of the committee will be announced soon,” said a statement issued by the party on Monday.

In a separate statement, Altaf Hussain said special persons could play a leading role in the development of the country if they were given opportunities. In a message on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he said that the MQM wanted people with disabilities to become a useful part of society.

He said disabled persons were also an integral part of society and “it is our responsibility to look after them in a proper manner”.

He urged on President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to ensure the implementation of laws for the disabled persons.

He said that the government should make legislation to protect the rights of the disabled people and set up specialised institutions for their needs.

Posted in: Karachi News