Disabled people are not represented in parliament, in organs of decision-making, even on issues that concern them
ISLAMABAD: It is a painful social reality that our society views people with disabilities as useless liabilities who have no role to play or contribution to make. That’s why past and present governments, both federal and provincial, have forgotten the plight of physically disabled people. There are no substantial projects or programmes for them and they have to endure discrimination, abuse and cruel treatment at the hands of a callous and uncaring society. Had there been an iota of mercy and compassion for these people, those with visual disabilities would not have been beaten black and blue by the police in Lahore.
Disabled people in rural Pakistan, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, live a terrible life. Disabled people are not represented in parliament, in organs of decision-making, even on issues that concern them. The ruling elite and the bureaucracy do not plan policies keeping in mind the needs of the disabled. Is there anyone in the corridors of power who could ask the federal and provincial governments to integrate disability issues into their work and take up their concerns?
Hashim Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, December 8th, 2014.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
