A first for Pakistan

Yousaf Saleem's induction as Pakistan’s first visually-impaired judge is a remarkable feat

Yousaf Saleem’s name has engendered a trailblazing idea that individuals, handicapped in one area, can still manage various roles and responsibilities in society. His induction as Pakistan’s first visually-impaired judge is a remarkable feat. Specifically, it is a pioneering step towards the inclusion of differently-abled persons and those with impairments into general society. The fact that this story comes from our legal department bodes well for more permanent change. It is hoped that in the future, persons with various impairments have an easier path towards being welcomed in mainstream society.

Historically, Pakistan has a disappointing record in terms of inclusion of other groups into the mainstream. We have largely failed to recognise the hardships members from other groups, transgender for example, experience on a daily basis. As an addendum, integrating and surviving in today’s climate in Pakistan for a person without impairments, particularly in the job market, is a challenging task to do so while possessing a characteristic that automatically causes you to have to struggle harder than others to keep up, is extraordinary. It is only recently that some of us began recognising the difficulties other groups face with the concepts of equity and equality only recently being regarded.

Going forward, there must be a push for improved legislation for the protection of people with impairments and those who are differently-abled so that they have advocacy and support from the law in case they are denied access, much like Justice Saleem was when he first opted to become a civil judge. So long as an individual can prove aptitude in a respective field, there is really no reason to deny him or her a position. Justice Saleem’s story helps people realise that individuals with certain conditions can excel in various fields and should be allowed to effect change.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2018.

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