The Pakistan Legal United Plus Society chaired by Altaf Koso along with Salma Habib Bhutto, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), represented by Assistant Director Farhad, held a joint press conference expressing deep concern over the lack of implementation of laws and facilities for persons with disabilities in Sindh.
Speaking at the event, the leaders highlighted that under the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment. However, in practice, many educational institutions and universities have not provided the mandated admission quotas or necessary facilities for disabled students.
They pointed out that allocated government funds are not being used transparently, and schools and colleges lack resource centers, specialized training programs, and accessibility arrangements, leaving thousands of children with disabilities deprived of education.
According to the law, scholarships and financial assistance ranging from PKR 10,000 to 500,000 must be provided to persons with disabilities, but these schemes have not been implemented. The speakers called on the Directorate of Inclusive Education (IESU) and other relevant departments to be made fully functional, to enforce admission quotas for disabled students, and to conduct a detailed audit of allocated funds.
Altaf Koso, Salma Habib Bhutto, and Farhad criticized the Sindh government’s approach as negligent, stating it violates international commitments under the UN conventions. They warned that if immediate steps are not taken, the matter would be pursued in court.
The press conference concluded with a reaffirmation that Pakistan Legal United Plus Society and DEPD will continue to advocate for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and called on authorities to fulfill their legal and administrative responsibilities.
