The 56th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on February 15, 2019, on the theme of “Inclusion of Differently Abled People”, to discuss how disabled people can contribute towards a cohesive society.
The first guest on show, Mr. Niaz Ali Shah noted that persons with disabilities are differently abled and have an equal potential to contribute to social cohesion in their own way given they are considered as an equal and important members of a society and treated with respect. The major challenge is not the disability but the negative and intolerant behaviors of the society which make someone feel as a disabled person. The real disability lies not in the disabled persons but in the minds of those who consider them handicapped and are insensitive to their special needs. The state should take initiatives to ensure the structural inclusion of people with disabilities.
The second guest in studio, Mr. Shabir Ahmad was of the view that our society is not well educated on the inclusion and needs of the special people, nor familiar with the sensitivities related to them. Whereas, the developed countries are considerate of the needs and importance of these special people. In many instances, they are devoid of facilities for education and end up getting the impression of being useless right from their childhood and live their lives in isolation.
The guest on phone, Dr. Samina Afridi noted that the social cohesion demands inclusion of all groups of the society as exclusion leads to conflict. We have to juxtapose equality and equity to provide a more conducive environment for disabled persons, to help them grow and get opportunities for social mobility like other citizens. Multipronged approach is needed with sensitization, efforts for mainstreaming and friendly spaces for them and special a health and education policy at the core. The role of civil society organizations to facilitate special people is also critical.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.