Visually impaired persons protest over jobs, unpaid salaries

Unemployed visually impaired persons took to the streets on Thursday, demanding jobs under the five per cent disability quota and release of 19 months' pending salaries.

Members of the Blind Action Committee marched from Karachi Press Club towards the Chief Minister House, but police stopped them from entering the Red Zone by placing barriers. A heavy police contingent was deployed on the occasion.

The protest was led by committee leader Shabbir Rajput, who said visually impaired persons across Sindh were demanding immediate implementation of the five per cent disability quota and the provision of employment opportunities.

"From Karachi to Kashmore, all blind persons have one demand - start recruitment under the disability quota and release our 19 months' salaries," the protesters said, adding that their protest was driven by financial hardships and hunger faced by their families. The protesters warned that their demonstration would continue until their demands were accepted.

Following police intervention, the protesters returned to Karachi Press Club, where they continued their demonstration.