Deaf-and-mute people hold demonstration to get driving licence in Karachi

Police, lacking in sign language, struggled to convince protesters that their demand was conveyed to authorities

KARACHI: Much was lost in translation as Sindh authorities struggled to communicate with hearing-and-speaking impaired people protesting for their right to get a driving licence.

They had staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club on Saturday, demanding the right to issuance of a driving licence.

"We have been holding demonstrations for the last 10 years," the deaf and mute community said in an official statement. "The government is unwilling to accept our demands. Driving licences should be issued to the deaf."



During the three-hour-long demonstration, one of the protesters said that most of the accidents occurred due to mobile phone usage. "Since we cannot hear, we can drive safely," he added.

Holding placards for seeking driving licence, the people with hearing and speaking disabilities attempted to reach the Sindh Chief Minister House which was foiled by the police.

Unfortunately, senior police officials, lacking knowledge of sign language, struggled to convince the protesters that their demands had been conveyed to the higher authorities.

However, the protest ended after assurances were made from the district administration and police.

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