Jhang’s physically challenged battle to become self-sustaining

Experts say employers need to focus on a person’s disability as an asset and not a potential liability

FAISALABAD: In a country where even an able-bodied majority has a hard time making a living, a support system for the physically challenged is not high on the agenda.

When it comes to having a support system, individuals with disabilities have close to none in Pakistan. They suffer not only their handicaps but also remain disadvantaged on various fronts be it education or social acceptance.



Yet there are people with physical handicaps in our midst who are managing their lives with dignity and even providing for their dependents. However, some like the three sisters Affifa Farooqi, Hafsa Farooqi and Aqsa Farooqi break the shackles.

Hailing from Jhang, the three sisters are physically challenged but their desire and motivation to excel in life has made them an example for the others. Their father 52-year-old Muhammad Ramzan Farooqi is serving as a teacher with Government High School, Kot Khaira.

Facing the odds

While communicating with The Express Tribune through sign language, Affifa Farooqi said, “I and my two sisters are fond of painting from our childhood. Our father encouraged us to adopt painting as a hobby. Therefore, we got admission in Jhang Arts Council and completed three months arts and painting course.”

She added, “I love to develop portraits and landscape. I would also learn other branches of fine arts.”

Affifa elaborated she had opted for computer engineering because it is an easy way of earning, especially for girls whereas demand for the computer engineering, web designing, software, is rising rapidly worldwide.



“Although, I am deaf and dumb, but this disability does not affect my passion for painting and computer engineering.  I intend to prove that disability cannot prevent anyone from living with grace and honour without any dependency,” she maintained.

Similarly, Hafsa told The Express Tribune disability does not matter when parents encourage their children. She said, “I plan to teach painting to special people after getting training in addition to acquiring skills in computer engineering.”

She remarked, “Physically challenged children could succeed in life if their parents make efforts.” She said, “I want to teach those students who want to get training in painting and arts.”



Aqsa Farooqi said, “I want to prove to others that disability develops courage and a person should not put himself in depression for such shortcomings”.

“I will show the world that we have more wisdom and spirit to meet any type of challenge with our skills,” she said with a smile.

A father’s untiring efforts

While speaking to The Express Tribune Ramzan Farooqi said, “I belong to a lower middle class and have five daughters. Three are deaf and dumb while another is physically weak and cannot even move.”

“It is very unfortunate that in our society we pay no due attention to the physically challenged people who need special care rather we consider them burden and hate them. Such an attitude is condemnable,” he lamented.

He elaborated, “If we care for them, they would become an active member of the society and can contribute positively to a great extent. Likewise, there are no adequate facilities for physical training and education for special people.”

Ramzan pointed out that he made his best efforts to provide education and training to his daughters, especially in the field of arts and painting. He claimed his daughters are excellent artists.

It is my wish that my daughters should become capable of fighting against any challenge, he added.

He regretted that the present government repeatedly announced that it will financially support the talented special children, but the government did not support us despite our appeals.

He told The Express Tribune, “I married my first cousin which is the main cause of disabilities in my daughters.” In reply to a question about the behaviour and attitude of the society regarding his physically challenged daughters, he said, “It is shameful and deplorable that by and large the society criticise me for supporting and providing education to my daughters.”

“A number of my colleagues and relatives are against providing education to my daughters. However, I don’t take their views seriously and continue to encourage my daughters to excel and succeed in life,” he said.

Expert opinion

While commenting on the situation, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar said, “The process of accepting illness or disability can be a long one. It is normal to feel depressed but you will soon realise that feeling sorry for yourself will get you nowhere.”

“You still have a life that you can enjoy. You can review what your strengths are and what you can still do,” he added.

“Many people with disabilities have contributed to the society but there is need the society should not make fun of the physically challenged people,” the pro-VC said.

He appreciated the efforts of Muhammad Ramzan Farooqi and said, “He did a great job and should continue to encourage his daughters, which is a positive sign.” He maintained, “The whole society should appreciate him.”

Zafar pointed out that in 1998, United Nations’ Human Rights Commission also declared that every person with disability has the right to protection from discrimination and to enjoy his or her individual human rights.”

He, however regretted that it is very unfortunate that discrimination still continues in our society, from at work to being refused a job or denied a final interview. “Employers need to see a person, including his or her disabilities as an asset and not a potential liability.”

• Hafsa Farooqi, 18, secured second position in 10th grade exam and third position in intermediate board across the district. She is currently enrolled in Danish Degree College, Faisalabad which is being run by an NGO for physically challenged people and hopes to acquire a bachelor’s degree.

• Affifa Farooqi, 20, is studying Computer Engineering. In 2011, she topped in 10th grade examination of the Punjab Special Education Board in Jhang District by securing 911 out of 1050 marks. Besides, she secured third position in intermediate exams in Faisalabad Division.

• Aqsa Farooqi, 16, secured second position in matric examination in 2017. She is enrolled in Danish Degree College, Faisalabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2017.