From Promises to Practice: Bridging the Gap in Disability Inclusion for a Truly Inclusive Pakistan

 I had the privilege to attend a three-day workshop, where I got a chance to interact with persons with disabilities. This interaction opened my eyes to the daily struggles faced by people with disabilities, told in their voices — raw, unfiltered, and deeply moving. One woman’s story, in particular, has stayed with me. She has a severe backbone injury, leaving her with limited mobility and, as she described, a constant battle with an unaccommodating world. She shared her experience with a prominent hotel in Islamabad, where she faced an all-too-familiar hurdle. When she needed to use the bathroom, she quickly realized there were no accessible options for her. Hours passed as she waited for help, her dignity slowly eroding with each moment. She finally approached the hotel staff, hoping for some compassion, only to be met with excuses. She described helplessness, the feeling of being trapped in a space that was supposed to welcome her but had become a place of isolation and frustration.

This real-life story sheds light on the gap between policy and practice in Pakistan. In his recent address, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive development under Vision 2025, an ambitious plan that places people at the heart of growth. While the rhetoric of "empowering people, not merely building infrastructure" is commendable, stories like this woman’s reveal the gaps in implementation and the limitations of existing policies. For people with disabilities, "empowerment" must translate into access to basic facilities, whether in hotels, educational institutions, or other public spaces.

Iqbal’s mention of the four pillars of sustainable development — peace, political stability, policy continuity, and progressive reforms — is both relevant and challenging. Political instability in Pakistan has often derailed long-term projects, leaving marginalized communities to bear the brunt of stalled policies. Without a stable foundation, initiatives like Vision 2025 may struggle to deliver meaningful change for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas, where access to programs is already limited.

While the government’s efforts to provide electric wheelchairs for students and install ramps in universities are positive, these initiatives touch only the surface of what’s needed. Wheelchair accessibility requires more than just ramps; it demands a comprehensive overhaul of infrastructure, from accessible bathrooms to wider hallways and doorways. Many wheelchair users face the indignity of not being able to find accessible restrooms, which isolates them in public spaces and restricts their freedom of movement. Addressing these issues is essential if we are to move beyond symbolic support and create genuinely inclusive spaces.

Iqbal’s speech also highlights the government’s alignment with the United Nations Disability and Inclusion Strategy, as well as Pakistan’s 5Es Framework, which promotes equitable opportunities for all. Yet, these frameworks need to penetrate every part of the country — urban and rural alike. Most disability programs and policies currently concentrate on urban centers, leaving rural areas largely unserved. In villages, people with disabilities often lack awareness of available resources, while physical and geographical barriers make access difficult. Effective disability inclusion will require not only infrastructure improvements but also robust outreach efforts to bridge these rural-urban divides.

Govt champions disability inclusion in Vision 2025 Framework The minister’s call to see the potential in every individual resonates deeply, but society’s attitudes must evolve in parallel. Children with disabilities, in particular, need specialized education and skill-building opportunities to foster independence. At present, many children with disabilities lack access to quality education and, without pathways to self-reliance, are often seen begging on street corners with a "kashkool”. Investment in inclusive education and early intervention could transform them into productive, valued members of society, reducing reliance on charity.

UNICEF, UNESCO, Sightsavers, Global Partnership for Education, Save the Children International, Humanity & Inclusion, The World Bank, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), UNDP Pakistan Building for the Future, Disabled Children's Centre, Pakistan Association of the Blind (Sindh), NOWPDP, Milestone Society for the Special Persons, Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), Rural Support Programmes Network, Proyash Institute of Special Education & Research, Special Olympics Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP)

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