According to the United Nations Development Programme, Pakistan is home to approximately 14 million disabled people, accounting for 6.2% of the total population. People with disability struggle with a myriad of urban restrictions, including but not limited to inaccessibility in public spaces, workplaces and transport. A large number of malls, restaurants and offices lack the appropriate infrastructure to accommodate people with disabilities such as wheelchair ramps, elevators and accessible washrooms. Public transport remains largely exclusionary, with buses and trains lacking required ramps that are customary for public safety. These limitations often deter people with disabilities from applying for jobs, benefiting from public amenities or socialising in the public sphere.
While initiatives like the National Disability Survey Module PSLM 2019, Sindh’s 2018 disability law and NADRA’s e-Sahulat banking service indicate some progress, stronger implementation is essential. The government must enforce accessibility laws and ordain businesses to abide by these laws and develop the necessary inclusive infrastructure to support people with disabilities. An inclusive society benefits everyone, and Pakistan must uphold the SDG principle of “leaving no one behind”.
Sabah Imran
Karachi
