Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: A commitment on the rights, freedom, dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities was endorsed on Thursday in a summit hosted by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

This summit was organised as a satellite event in connection with the Global Disability Summit which will take place on July 24 in London to mobilise global commitments on disability.

The summit was organised in collaboration with the Special Talent Exchange Programme (STEP) and Sightsavers. A large number of representatives of Disabled Persons Organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government, media and donors attended the event and discussed measures to improve the lives of those living with any form of disability.

Giving the opening remarks, British High Commissioner Thomas Drew said, “Disability inclusion is at the heart of UK’s development agenda. We are strong supporters of Pakistan’s work in promoting disability inclusion through the work that the UK’s Department for International Development and the British Council are doing. Today’s Summit is an important milestone in ensuring that those with disabilities are included and given opportunities.”

Addressing the summit, Head of DFID Pakistan Joana Reid said, “Now is the time to break down the barriers that hold people back from achieving their potential. I’m proud to endorse the Charter of Demands being presented today, as this is a step forward towards ensuring that persons with disabilities are visible, are listened to and have access to equitable life opportunities.”

Giving his remarks, Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms secretary said, “We have special quotas in the government and are working to provide easy access for people with a disability. Our team at the ministry would like to take forward these Charter of Demands and we hope to take lead in advancing the cause of disability inclusion in Pakistan.”

Published in Daily Times, July 6^th 2018.