LAHORE: Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called on the government to take concrete and result-oriented measures to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities and to ensure their full participation in society.
In a statement issued on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, he said that despite physical challenges such as visual impairment or other disabilities, many Pakistanis continue to render remarkable services in various fields. “Jamaat-e-Islami pays tribute to these individuals,” he added.
Rehman urged the government to strictly implement the merit-based quota reserved for persons with disabilities in public sector jobs. He noted that Pakistan still lacks reliable and updated statistics on its disabled population. “The last census placed the number at around 0.48 percent, but several local and international institutions estimate that nearly 20 million people in Pakistan suffer from some form of disability,” he said. He stressed the need for modern, accurate data collection so that the government and welfare organizations can formulate effective and comprehensive policies.
The JI chief demanded that each division in the country should have dedicated educational institutions and healthcare facilities for persons with disabilities. He said that although a two percent quota for employment exists, many deserving individuals still struggle to secure jobs, terming this an injustice and cruelty. He also called for technical training programs, rehabilitation services, free travel facilities, and interest-free loans for small businesses to support persons with disabilities.
The JI chief highlighted that the state must work closely with parents to ensure focused education and training for disabled children. He emphasized the need to promote a social environment that eliminates feelings of inferiority among such individuals and suggested a dedicated marriage grant for boys and girls with disabilities.
Assuring full support, Rehman said that Jamaat-e-Islami and Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan remain open and accessible to persons with disabilities. “We are striving for a better and more developed society in Pakistan. With Allah’s help and public support, Jamaat-e-Islami will establish a system where every citizen enjoys fundamental rights and justice, fulfilling the vision for which countless sacrifices were made,” he said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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