Event
First Policy Roundtable on Disability Inclusion 

The Pakistan Business and Disability Network (PBDN), a key platform advocating for disability inclusion in the workplace, successfully hosted the 1st Policy Dialogue on Disability Inclusion on 26 September 2024 in Karachi.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government bodies, the private sector, development partners, and organizations of persons with disabilities to discuss policy reforms that ensure greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistan’s national development agenda.

The dialogue focused on three critical policy areas: the SME Policy 2021, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy 2018, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). The event aimed to discuss the policies and programs to develop policy recommendations that make national policies more responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities.

The event began with a welcome note by Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General EFP highlighting the initiatives and achievements of PBDN to promote employability and employment of persons with disabilities. He emphasized the need to develop the skills and competencies of persons with disabilities for their employment in the industries as an equally productive worker.

Majyd Aziz, EFP Past President and Board Director, emphasized the need for societal behavioral change to better understand and support persons with disabilities. He highlighted that our collective mindset must evolve to ensure that policies and programs are effectively implemented to benefit people with disabilities. Aziz stated, “We should not feel pity for persons with disabilities. Instead, we must recognize their inherent qualities and provide the support and encouragement they need to grow and thrive equally in society.”

Technical Discussion:

Technical presentations were delivered by representatives from key organizations, including GIZ, Sightsavers, TVET, PMYP, SMEDA, ILO, and organizations of persons with disabilities, highlighting the current landscape of disability inclusion within these programs. The policy reform dialogue focused on SME Policy 2021, TVET Policy 2018, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP).

Following the presentations, group discussions were organized into three working groups to review the content and propose policy reforms addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing education, training, and employment opportunities. The following recommendations were derived from these discussions:

• Improved Enforcement of Disability Quotas: Strengthen the implementation of existing disability employment quotas and ensure mechanisms are in place to monitor and enforce compliance.
• Employers as Catalysts for Change: Encourage businesses to break unconscious biases, enhance disability confidence, and ensure policies and programs promote equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• Reforming the Skills Landscape: TVET and academic institutions need to take the lead in reforming the current skills development framework for persons with disabilities, equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in employment opportunities.
• Accessible Financial Services: Create specialized microfinance programs and credit facilities tailored for entrepreneurs with disabilities. These should offer lower interest rates, flexible repayment options, and grants to support disability-led startups.

Ghulam Mohiuddin Asim, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh, chaired the event and after hearing the presentations and recommendations at the 1st Policy Dialogue on Disability Inclusion, expressed strong support for the proposed reforms and reiterated the Government of Sindh’s commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in Pakistan’s journey toward sustainable development.

He emphasized that while several policies and laws exist, the real challenge lies in their effective implementation, calling for collective action across public, private, and civil society sectors. Mr. Asim stressed the importance of collaboration to ensure these policies actively transform lives and create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

This Policy Dialogue marks a milestone in PBDN’s mission to drive disability-inclusive policies across Pakistan. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors and advocating for meaningful change, PBDN aims to create a more accessible and inclusive society for all.

The Policy Brief will be available soon.