ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, has emphasized the crucial need to enforce a job quota for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across all levels of the government to enhance their financial empowerment.
He proposed that government departments should identify suitable positions for PWDs and offer them employment based on their skill set, aiming to boost their inclusion in the workforce.
These remarks were made by the President during a meeting on the implementation of employment quotas for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Allah Dino Khowaja, the Secretary of the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), Syed Hasnain Mehdi, the Special Secretary of Establishment Division Ali Tahir, and other senior government officials.
افرادی قوت میں خصوصی افراد کی شمولیت بڑھانے کیلئے ہنر کے مطابق نوکریاں دی جائیں، صدر مملکت
صدر مملکت کا حامل ِمعذوری افراد کو معاشرے کا فعال رکن بنانے پر زور
معذوری کے حامل افراد پاکستان کی آبادی کا تقریباً 12 فیصد حصہ ہیں ، صدر مملکت
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 9, 2024
Stressing the importance of integrating PWDs into society as productive members, the President highlighted that PWDs constitute nearly 12% of Pakistan’s population. He said that affirmative actions, such as job quotas, could help overcome existing barriers to their employment. The President called for providing employable skills to PWDs and connecting them with potential employers based on the nature and severity of their disabilities.
Addressing the need for a societal attitudinal shift towards PWDs, the President urged active participation in socio-economic activities. He recalled his previous calls for private schools to admit children with disabilities and promote inclusive education in mainstream educational institutions.
The Secretary FPSC briefed the meeting on the steps taken by FPSC to facilitate PWDs, including eligibility for CSS exams against all occupational groups, additional time, and writing assistants during exams. It was also highlighted that PWDs receive a 02-year age limit relaxation under the CSS Competitive Examination Rules. The Establishment Division informed that they were actively pursuing the implementation of the 2% job quota with all ministries/divisions/departments.
The President urged participants to identify obstacles and challenges in the implementation of job quotas for PWDs in the government sector. He commended the ministries for their cooperation in supporting the cause of PWDs.
