Hyderabad: Ensuring the political participation of persons with disabilities is vital for guaranteeing their inclusion in all levels of decision-making. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), along with provincial disability laws—particularly the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018—affirm the right of persons with disabilities to actively participate in political processes from the local to the national level.
Mr. Abid Lashari, President of the National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan and member of the Coalition of Inclusive Pakistan (CIP), emphasized that political parties must take concrete and practical measures to ensure meaningful representation of persons with disabilities. He urged major political parties—PPP, PML(N), PTI, MQM-Pakistan, JUI and others—to establish dedicated Disability Wings within their party structures and to reserve at least 5% participation for persons with disabilities in political leadership. He further called for legislative reforms to reserve 5% seats for persons with disabilities in Provincial Assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate.
Mr. Lashari stated that inclusive political representation will not only uphold the dignity of persons with disabilities but will also strengthen democratic governance. “When persons with disabilities are represented in political structures, policies, development programs, and governance frameworks become more inclusive, accessible, and equitable,” he added.
He stressed that the political participation of persons with disabilities is not charity—it is a constitutional, legal, and human right. He called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan, the Federal Government, and provincial governments to eliminate barriers that hinder electoral participation and leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities.
NDF Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to advocating for equal rights, inclusive opportunities, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life, including governance and public decision-making.