On Friday, Samina Alvi, the First Lady of Pakistan, called for collective efforts to accommodate children with disabilities in regular schools.
Talking to the instructors and stakeholders working for the empowerment of children with intellectual disabilities and youth at the Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) for Intellectually Challenged, she said the concept of inclusive education needed to be promoted.
“This is being practiced in many countries as a basic right of every child entitled to be provided with a viable environment for their social development and adequate growth,” said Alvi.
“The government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan is absolutely committed to the concept of ‘Inclusion’ creating and providing the best environment and relevant opportunities critical for the citizens’ growth without any distinction based on their gender, caste, creed and disabilities” said Alvi.
“The government under Kifalat Programme from this January was providing a stipend of Rs 2,000 per month to persons with disabilities of the country holding CNIC,” she said, reports Dawn.
Reiterating that inclusiveness and empowerment was the objective, the State Bank of Pakistan was initiating dedicated loan programmes for women and people with mobility disabilities while to improve accessibility, such as ramps and accessible toilets for them were being built along with other essential services in public buildings and places.
