On September 30, 2025 the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, concluded a national consultation at Islamabad Hotel to advance Pakistan Sign Language as a cornerstone of Deaf identity, inclusion and rights in Pakistan.
The gathering brought together government representatives, Deaf community leaders, academics, civil society and international partners. The programme opened with the National Anthem performed in Pakistan Sign Language by students of the National Special Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children, followed by a digital recitation of the Holy Quran and a Naat in sign language. Capt. (Retd.) Asif Iqbal Asif, Director General of Special Education, welcomed participants and set the tone for the day.
Federal Secretary Nadeem Mahbub inaugurated the consultation, outlining the Ministry’s vision for inclusive education. UNICEF Deputy Representative Sharmeela Rasool praised the collaborative commitment of partners, while Rector Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Shahid Mahmood Kayani provided context on academic engagement. The keynote address by Afke Bootsman of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office highlighted integration of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy across initiatives. Irfan Mumtaz of the Pakistan Association of the Deaf delivered a moving statement on sign language rights that resonated throughout the forum.
Minister of State Wajiha Qamar attended as Guest of Honour and commended federal and provincial cooperation alongside Deaf leadership and development partners, describing the consultation as a major milestone for Pakistan Sign Language. The engagement underscored the importance of recognising PSL as an essential component of inclusive policy and practice.
Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui closed the event and reaffirmed the government’s political will to recognise Pakistan Sign Language as a full and natural language. Speaking to media, he stressed that PSL standardization is central to advancing inclusive education, enabling social participation and meeting Pakistan’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Panels, group work and collaborative exercises across the consultation identified barriers and proposed actionable solutions, including the recommendation to form a National Task Force on PSL Standardization. Delegates agreed the task force’s work should inform a strategic roadmap for curriculum development, interpreter training and certification, and the creation of digital resources aligned with national priorities and international disability inclusion commitments.
Participants also visited exhibition stalls organised by children with disabilities enrolled in DGSE centres, where Deaf art, handmade jewellery, handicrafts, lekar and woodwork demonstrated creative skills and potential. The display amplified the consultation’s message that standardising Pakistan Sign Language will unlock educational and economic opportunities for children with diverse abilities.
The consultation marks a significant step in formalising Pakistan Sign Language and reflects a concerted effort by the Ministry and UNICEF to make PSL a recognised, standardised and empowering language of inclusion across Pakistan.
