The 132nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The first guest on show, Dr. Syed Ilyas, CEO of Paraplegic Center, Hayatabad, noted that the rights of all the citizens including differently abled members of the society are enshrined in the constitution, which thus should leave no room for discriminating them in any way. They need to be treated with both equality and equity to make the most of their unique potential.
In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Human Rights introduced the ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Bill, 2018 in the Parliament on December 21, 2018. The Bill specifically proposed equity in the employment for PWDs in the public and private sector without discrimination. Later the National Assembly of Pakistan passed ‘The ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2020’.
State should ensure the provision of facilities to cater to the different needs of PWDs and ensure their social inclusion. No society can achieve cohesion and flourish without the inclusion of all the members of society and valuing and harnessing their unique contributions and potential in the development processes.
There is also a huge onus of the other members of society, to treat PWDs with equal respect, support and cooperate with them in a way that they do not feel excluded. We should think of them as persons with different abilities.
The second guest on show, Mr. Umair Tayyab, opined that International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year, however, it is useless to observe such occasions without creating awareness on the rights of PWDs. PWDs are equally entitled to the right to education, therefore, the overall social structure should be considerate and inclusive of their participation needs. They are gifted with unique skills and need opportunities to channelize their talents and energies into national life.
The third guest on show, Ms. Mahnoor Ahmed, CRSS’s Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar, noted that we need platforms like Ulasi Taroon workshops to deliberate the issues key to inclusion and cohesion and sensitize the young on the criticality of their roles as peacebuilders and future leaders.
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 strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.