Equal citizenry for differently able persons
The latest episode of Sabwoon, Ranra (Light) highlighted equal citizenry for differently able persons, discussing in detail, the challenges faced by them and initiatives introduced on part of Provincial Government.
The guest on the show, Mr. Liaqaat Ali, former Deputy Director at social welfare department and senior teacher at special education complex said that by the concept of differently able people we mean all those citizens who are physically, mentally challenged or even having minor disabilities in any way.
He was of the view that the under constitution of Pakistan and disabled persons Act 1981, they have the equal right to education, health, transportation and all other fundamental facilities same as that of other citizens moreover they are being privileged on behalf of the state in the way that they have 2% quota fixed education institutions, which has been increased to 4%. He further said that they are given a 50% discount on any kind of tickets, 30% discount on utility stores as well as marriage allowance with 75% relief in fees to pursue their studies. He further discussed that government has made efforts to establish an association for providing a proper platform for pursuing their demands at.
He said that although the government is putting its efforts to take on board the differently able persons of the society it is the responsibility of special persons as well as the common people to report any special case or persons with disabilities to ensure the access of government institutions. He said that proper educational institutions are working to ensure the education of differently able persons in Peshawar and other districts.
The second guest, Mr. Jawad said that although he is a differently able person but he has not faced any sort of serious challenges in his life regarding his disabilities but wishes to see more cooperation on behalf of society and government to streamline their issues regarding providence of special places at public spots e.g. wheelchair slide spaces and other to make access easy to those who are physically challenged other way.
The first report prepared by Ms. Asma Gul shared that government is putting efforts and a bill is also presented to a standing committee to ensure rights of special persons all over Pakistan on behalf of the Ministry of Human rights.
The second report prepared by Mr. Shakir shared that all over the world 15% and in Pakistan 4% of people are special person, but these special persons are often ignored by the other people of society. The accessibility to the basic facilities should be ensured by the government on public places for these special persons.
About Sabawoon
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications program, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion.
The show airs Tuesday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Tuesday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with input from government and other senior officials. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural and female issues are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.
The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms.