Izzatullah Kakr, president of Awaz-e-Mazooran Balochistan, urged the government and political parties to take immediate steps to ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistan’s political, social and economic life. Speaking at the National Press Club in Islamabad, he outlined a set of policy measures aimed at guaranteeing representation, protecting rights and removing barriers to education, health and employment for disabled citizens.
Kakr delivered the demands at a press conference attended by the organization’s general secretary Kaleemullah Khan and office secretary Syed Shah Faisal. He stressed that despite forming a significant portion of the population, persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination and lack access to fundamental services such as education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.
Among his key demands was guaranteed representation of persons with disabilities in the National and Provincial Assemblies and the Senate, along with the creation of dedicated wings for disabled people within all political parties. He also called for measures to ensure the voting rights of persons with disabilities so they can participate fully in the electoral process.
Kakr proposed the establishment of a separate ministry for disability affairs and the creation of a National Disability Commission to monitor, review and oversee implementation of disability rights and related policies. He said these institutions would provide focused oversight and accountability for policy delivery.
To improve economic inclusion, Kakr urged the government to provide vocational training and employment opportunities tailored to persons with disabilities. He recommended ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making processes and implementing comprehensive educational policies and practices to make learning inclusive and accessible.
He also asked that persons with disabilities be included in social safety programs such as the Benazir Income Support Program and that assistive devices and related technologies be made affordable and accessible. Kakr said these steps are essential to enable persons with disabilities to become productive, contributing members of society.
Kakr concluded by calling on authorities and political parties to act on these recommendations to remove systemic barriers and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities across Pakistan.
