Public opinion: In a first, disabled people get say in referendum

Participants felt they were part of a revolution.

KARACHI:

A large number of people with disabilities visited the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarters, Nine Zero, on Saturday to voice their opinion on the party’s 17-point public referendum.

The participants had the option of submitting their answers on the black-and-white form or filling out an online answer sheet for which the MQM had provided technical facilities.

Visually impaired Afshan Saeed said that, “I am confident that my opinion will be honoured so it would bring forth a revolution for prosperity and peace”.

For Abid Hussain Baloch, the motivation was a chance to do his part for a revolution. “I have come here to vote because I believe there would follow a revolution and I would get a home and a job.”

Shoaib Hussain also foresees a better life. “We have expressed our opinion for better policies for Pakistan. Only then would I not be deprived of my due share,” he said.

MQM Coordination Committee member Mustafa Kamal addressed the group. “It is for the first time that the MQM has provided an opportunity to those citizens who have not spoken ever in past 63 years and have never cast their vote,” he said.

“Such a silent faction of the Pakistani society has been taken on board to add their voice and share their opinion so that the country’s foreign policy and economic policy should be made accordingly.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2011.