Government Must Ensure the Rights and Dignity of Special Persons, Says Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman called upon the government of Pakistan to take serious and practical steps to ensure the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in every sphere of society.In his statement issued from Karachi, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief emphasized that special persons are an important and valuable part of society and deserve equal opportunities, respect, and access to facilities that enable them to live independent and productive lives.Recognizing the Contributions of Special Persons
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman paid tribute to individuals with disabilities who, despite physical challenges such as blindness or other impairments, continue to contribute remarkably in education, professional services, social work, and various national sectors.He stated that disability should never be viewed as weakness or limitation, as countless individuals across Pakistan have demonstrated extraordinary determination, talent, and resilience. According to him, society must move away from sympathy-based attitudes and instead create systems based on empowerment, accessibility, and equal opportunity.Need for Accurate National Data
Highlighting a major policy gap, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman pointed out that Pakistan still lacks comprehensive and reliable statistics regarding persons with disabilities.While previous census reports estimated the number of disabled individuals at less than one percent of the population, many local and international organizations believe that nearly twenty million people in Pakistan may be living with some form of disability.He stressed that the government must conduct modern and transparent data collection so policymakers, welfare organizations, and institutions can design effective strategies according to the real needs of special persons.Demand for Education, Healthcare, and Employment Opportunities
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader strongly urged the government to establish specialized educational institutions and healthcare centers for persons with disabilities at least at the divisional level across the country.He also criticized the weak implementation of the existing employment quota system for disabled individuals. Although a two percent quota already exists in government jobs, many deserving candidates still fail to receive employment opportunities according to merit.Calling this situation unjust, he demanded strict implementation of the quota system and equal professional opportunities for qualified individuals with disabilities.He further proposed:Technical and vocational training programs for special persons
Rehabilitation and skill development initiatives
Interest-free loans for small businesses
Free travel facilities provided by federal and provincial governments
Greater state support for parents raising children with disabilities
According to him, empowering disabled individuals economically and socially is essential for building a fair and progressive Pakistan.Building an Inclusive Society
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman also emphasized the importance of changing social attitudes toward persons with disabilities. He said society must encourage an environment where disabled individuals never feel inferior or excluded.He highlighted that inclusion is not only the responsibility of the government, but also of educational institutions, workplaces, media, and the public at large.He additionally suggested the introduction of marriage grants and welfare support programs for families of disabled individuals to reduce financial and social hardships.Commitment from Jamaat-e-Islami and Alkhidmat
Reaffirming his party’s support, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman assured persons with disabilities that both Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan and Alkhidmat Foundation remain committed to serving and supporting them.He stated that the vision of a truly developed Pakistan can only be achieved when every citizen — regardless of physical ability, social status, or economic background — is granted equal rights and opportunities.According to him, a just Islamic welfare society is one where every individual is treated with dignity, compassion, and fairness.Toward a More Compassionate Pakistan
The statement concluded with a broader vision for Pakistan’s future — a country where social justice, accessibility, and equal rights are not privileges, but guaranteed realities for every citizen.Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman emphasized that building such a society requires collective effort from the government, institutions, welfare organizations, and citizens alike.His message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities served as both a reminder and a challenge: true national progress cannot be achieved unless persons with disabilities are fully included in the nation’s educational, economic, and social development.