Inclusive Future Takes Center Stage as Experts Unite on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

ISLAMABAD, December 10, 2025 – Marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the global theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” a landmark seminar in the capital brought together leading health experts, policymakers, and disability rights advocates to chart a path toward genuine inclusion.

The event, the third in a series, was held on December 9 at the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS), Isra University, Islamabad. It was organized collaboratively by PIRS, the Saaya Association of People with Disabilities, HANDS Welfare Foundation, and the Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) Network Pakistan.

The seminar moved beyond symbolic observance, diving into practical strategies for embedding sensitivity and inclusivity into Pakistan’s development framework. A core presentation, “Ensuring Sensitivity and Inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities in the Rights-Based Development Process,” set the stage for discussions aimed at transforming inclusion from an ideal into an everyday reality.

A gathering of distinguished voices underscored the event’s significance. The chief guest, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Daud Khan, Chairman of CHEF International and a veteran ophthalmologist, framed the mission with a powerful statement: “An inclusive society emerges when persons with disabilities are not only heard but are central to every decision, shaping a future that is fair, equitable, and inclusive for all.”

High-level insights were shared by Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor of the Health Services Academy, who brought his extensive expertise in public health systems and policy to the discussion on inclusive health governance.

Technological empowerment was a key focus, with Dr. Maryam Mallick, Technical Lead on Assistive Technology and Rehabilitation for WHO Pakistan, highlighting the critical role of accessible tools and devices in unlocking independence and participation for persons with disabilities.

The seminar featured a robust panel of experts who addressed the multifaceted nature of building an inclusive society. Dr. Farrukh Seir, Executive Director of PIRS, and Dr. Omar Ali Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Isra University, outlined the profound significance of the day and its local relevance. Advocacy was championed by Asim Zafar of the Saaya Foundation, who detailed the ongoing struggle for disability rights within Pakistan’s legal and social landscape. The role of international development was explored by Raza Narejo, Deputy Country Director of IRP, and Dr. Zahid Awan from CBM, who discussed strategies for integrating inclusion into health and development projects. Perspectives from education were provided by Dr. Hina Noor from Allama Iqbal Open University, who emphasized innovations in special education, while Dr. Saqlain Gillani presented on the critical efforts of the national Prevention of Blindness Programme.

Organizers emphasized that the day was a step toward building communities where accessibility, dignity, and equal participation are non-negotiable fundamentals. The collective message was clear: advancing social progress is inextricably linked to ensuring that persons with disabilities are active architects of the nation’s future, not passive beneficiaries.

The event concluded with a reinforced commitment from all stakeholders to translate dialogue into action, working to make inclusion not just a goal, but a way of life for Pakistan.