The plight of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan is a harsh reality that reflects systemic neglect, cultural stigmas, and inadequate support structures. This blog delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by PWDs in Pakistan, comparing them with the more inclusive practices of developed nations to explore whether leaving the country is the only hope for a dignified life?
1. Inflation and Economic Hardship
Pakistan’s current
economic landscape is marked by unprecedented inflation, pushing even basic
necessities out of reach for many. For PWDs, the financial burden is magnified
due to the high cost of mobility aids like wheelchairs and prosthetics. A
standard wheelchair can cost upwards of PKR 50,000, and a power wheelchair will
cost you more than PKR 2 lacs, an astronomical sum for families already
struggling to meet ends. While inflation affects all, its impact is more severe
on those with additional needs and fewer opportunities.
2. Injustice and Societal Barriers
Despite constitutional
provisions such as Article 25 (equality of all citizens), PWDs continue to face
discrimination at every level—from public services to private interactions. In
Pakistan, deep-rooted cultural beliefs often view disabilities as a punishment
or curse, resulting in stigmatization and exclusion from social, educational,
and economic opportunities.
PWDs are frequently
denied their share in family property and other fundamental human rights.
Reports highlight that disputes over inheritance often leave PWDs destitute and
dependent on the charity of others. Moreover, employment statistics paint a
bleak picture: despite existing quotas, a significant number of job
applications from PWDs are rejected or overlooked, reinforcing a cycle of
poverty and dependence.
3. Insufficient Government Support
Government programs for
PWDs in Pakistan are grossly inadequate. A few initiatives offer financial aid,
but the amounts are minimal, such as the PKR 6,000 monthly stipend for those
with severe disabilities. This sum is insufficient even for basic sustenance,
let alone for the medical care and assistive technology needed for independent
living. Compared to developed countries where government schemes provide
comprehensive support—covering everything from accessible housing and
healthcare to job training and subsidized assistive devices—Pakistan’s efforts
fall tragically short.
4. Social Exclusion and Stigma
In Pakistani culture,
PWDs are often seen as burdens, leading to social ostracism and discrimination.
The stigma extends to marriage prospects, where individuals with disabilities
are deemed undesirable partners, limiting their right to personal and family
life. Cultural beliefs associating disabilities with divine punishment further
exacerbate this marginalization, fostering a cycle where PWDs are denied respect
and agency.
True Example: Ms. ABC, a
young woman from village with an intellectual disability, has been fighting for
her share of property for years. Despite clear documentation proving her right,
her relatives have used her disability and proved her mentally unstable as a
basis to claim she is incapable of managing assets, leaving her reliant on
small charities and abandon her in the protection center.
5. Bullying and Harassment
PWDs are often subjected
to bullying and harassment, both in public and private spheres. This starts
from childhood in schools—where, if admitted at all, accessibility is limited
and inclusion is rare. Instances of verbal abuse and social isolation are
common, with few mechanisms in place to provide support or counseling.
6. Education and Mobility Barriers
The number of accessible
educational institutions is scant, leaving many PWDs uneducated or
undereducated. Public spaces and transport are notoriously inaccessible,
limiting mobility and reinforcing isolation. In contrast, developed nations
implement stringent accessibility laws, ensuring equal participation and
independence for PWDs.
True Example: Mr. ABC, a young man from city with physical disability, has been fighting for his right of medical education (MBBS) for years. He won the case with clear documentation proving his right after 10 years but that was too late to pursue his education in the same field.
7.
Exploitation
and Neglect
PWDs in Pakistan are
often exploited for "numbers" in reports to show representation or
social responsibility but are quickly forgotten once the headlines fade.
Tokenism without genuine, and long-term empowerment contributes only adds frustration
many feel about their place in society.
Global Comparison: In countries like the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public spaces, schools, and workplaces must meet specific accessibility standards. Financial assistance, grants for specialized equipment, and workplace accommodations are the norm. As a result, PWDs are active, valued members of society, participating fully without fear of prejudice or discrimination.
A
Call for Change or Departure?
Given the harsh realities
of inflation, cultural stigma, government apathy, and social injustice, it’s
understandable why many PWDs in Pakistan might consider seeking opportunities
abroad. The more inclusive policies and societal attitudes of developed countries
offer them a chance to lead dignified, independent lives as equals.
However, leaving the
country isn’t an option for everyone. The real answer lies in systematic reform.
Pakistan must prioritize PWDs' rights, enforce disability-friendly policies,
and foster an inclusive culture. Only then can PWDs consider their country not
as a place they have to leave for survival, but as one where they can thrive
with dignity.
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