LHC seeks reply on jobs quota for differently abled

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought a reply from the Secretary Special Education over the alleged abolition of reserved job quota seats for persons with disabilities during proceedings on a petition seeking enforcement of the mandatory three percent employment quota.

Justice Malik Awais Khalid heard the petition filed by Azhar Siddique and issued notices to the respondents, including the Secretary Special Education.

The petitioner's counsel argued that despite receiving applications from persons with disabilities, the authorities were not providing employment in accordance with the reserved quota prescribed under law.

The court was informed that earlier directions had already been issued for the development of a software system to address complaints of special persons, along with a dedicated mobile application and an online disability certificate issuance mechanism.

The petitioner maintained that despite clear judicial directions, the relevant authorities had failed to implement the orders, which amounted to contempt of court.

He further contended that the alleged abolition or non-implementation of reserved job quota seats had deprived persons with disabilities of their constitutional right to employment.

The petition requested the court to direct the Punjab government to ensure strict implementation of its earlier orders regarding the employment quota as well as improved facilities for persons with disabilities.