Conditions for the Disabled Community Members in Pakistan

 

Javed Cheema*

People’s Power Lab

Conditions for the Disabled Community Members in Pakistan

The plight of disabled individuals in Pakistan has garnered increasing attention in recent academic discourse, arguing that a significant disparity exists in the allocation of resources and provisions for disability care within the country's social fabric, leading to increased hardship and suffering for thousands of physically and mentally challenged citizens. Several scholarly publications highlight the critical need for improved care for the disabled community in Pakistan. A 2019 study by Nazia Mumtaz and Ghulam Saqulain in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association emphasizes the importance of expanding resources, advocating for the “availability of rehabilitation professionals in hospitals [and] capacity-building of persons with disabilities, including their mainstreaming.” The consequences of inadequate care are far-reaching, as a 2020 research paper published in Disability & Society by Nadia Ahsan and Zeba Sathio explores the impact of insufficient resources on the well-being of disabled individuals in Pakistan, revealing a correlation between the lack of support and a rise in “ailment and suffering.” Moreover, the disparity in funding exacerbates the situation, with a 2023 article by Farhan Haq in the Journal of Policy Studies underscoring the “disparity of funding and resources for the vulnerable in Pakistani society,” hindering the development of crucial infrastructure and programs tailored to address the needs of the disabled community. The issue extends beyond physical limitations, with mental health care for people with disabilities also remaining largely neglected, as noted in a 2022 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizing the global challenge of mental health among disabled populations and the “limited access to mental health services specifically designed for people with disabilities.” Expanding upon the existing discourse, it is imperative to recognize the broader societal implications of inadequate disability care in Pakistan. Beyond the immediate challenges faced by disabled individuals, the lack of comprehensive support perpetuates cycles of poverty and marginalization, exacerbating social inequalities and hindering national development efforts. Additionally, the failure to address the diverse needs of the disabled community undermines efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, constraining Pakistan's potential for social cohesion and collective progress. Moreover, the neglect of mental health care further compounds the challenges faced by disabled individuals, amplifying the burden of untreated mental health conditions and perpetuating cycles of suffering and isolation. Lastly, the lack of political will and institutional support further compounds the challenges faced by disabled individuals, perpetuating systemic barriers to access and perpetuating cycles of marginalization and exclusion. Without concerted efforts to prioritize disability care and promote inclusive policies and practices, Pakistan risks squandering the talents and potential of a significant portion of its population, undermining prospects for sustainable development and social progress. Therefore, addressing the systemic gaps in disability care is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in Pakistan's future prosperity and well-being.


Works Cited

Ahsan, Nadia, and Zeba Sathio. "The Lived Experiences of Disability and Social Exclusion in Pakistan." Disability & Society, vol. 35, no. 1, 2020, pp. 92-108.

Haq, Farhan. "Disparity of Funding and Resource Allocation in the Social Sector of Pakistan." Journal of Policy Studies, vol. 42, no. 3, 2023, pp. 521-540. 

Mumtaz, Nazia, and Ghulam Saqulain. "Expanding Rehabilitation Services for People with Disabilities in Pakistan." Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, vol. 79, no. 7, 2019, pp. 1422-1425. 

World Health Organization. "Mental Health of Persons with Disabilities." World Health Organization, 2022. https://www.who.int/health-topics/disability

 
Learn more HERE about a disability support project by Local to Global Human Development and Help Relay Foundation in Pakistan

* Javed is a freshman at a university in Raleigh, NC. 

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