Govt committed to provide equal participation for persons with disabilities: PM

ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has stated that the Government of Pakistan was committed to promote empowerment, provision of opportunities and equal participation for the persons with disabilities.
“It is our prime concern to enhance their capacities and support them in setting their own priorities,” the Prime Ministersaid in his message on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed every year on December 3.He said the present government was cognizant of the fact that persons with disabilities held every civil, cultural, economic,political and social right, on an equal basis with others.The Prime Minister said, “As we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I encourage all Pakistanis to play their active role in dispelling frivolous notions and attitudes
towards the persons with disabilities.””I am sure that with our sincere and joint efforts, we can enable them to contribute, on equal basis, to the well-being of the
State and betterment of our society,” he added. The Prime Minister said the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 every year aims to
promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support
for dignity, basic rights and well-being of persons with
disabilities.
“This Day reinforces the spirit to integrate persons with
disabilities in every aspect of social, political, economic and
cultural life in such a manner that they enjoy full and equal human
rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed for every citizen of the
State,” he added.
The Prime Minister said instead of marginalization and
segregation of persons with disabilities, our efforts should focus
on their inclusion and empowerment in every sphere of life.
“This year the United Nations highlighted serious issues
regarding disabilities in the theme: Inclusion matters: access and
empowerment of people of all abilities,” he added.
The Prime Minister said it is estimated that one billion
people living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers to
inclusion in key aspects of social life.
Consequently, people with disabilities feel restricted to
exercise their faculties on equal basis with others, particularly in
the domains of employment, education, social as well as political
participation, he added.
The Prime Minister said the right to participate in public
life was essential to ensure stable democracy, active citizenship
and reducing inequalities in society. It is important to focus on
the ability and not disability of an individual, he added.
“Often, the societal image of persons with disabilities is
impacted by attitudes based on stigma and discrimination. These
attitudes must be discouraged,” he added.
The Prime Minister said the public attitude plays an important
role for persons with disabilities to perform as fully participating
members of society.
“We must highlight their achievements as success stories to
boost their confidence in our individual as well as national
capacities,” he maintained.