By: Shehneela Mazhar

Abid Hussain Lashari, Legislative Fellowship Program-2013 alumnus, is leading an Alumni Small Grant (ASG) in Sindh to Ensure Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Local Government. The Disability ID Card grants special privileges, including job quotas, reserved seats, free education, and medical treatment for cardholders.

To create awareness for smooth issuance of disability ID cards, a seminar was held under Mr. Lashari’s chairmanship. The speakers emphasized the importance of the disability card for political participation and highlighted the benefits it provides, such as transportation discounts, job quotas, and voting rights. The Disability Act 2018 and Local Government Act 2021 Amendment Bill have played significant roles in empowering the disabled in decision-making.

The project’s activities have increased awareness, allowing disabled individuals to participate practically in politics and gain reserved seats through political parties. It was suggested that political parties should further encourage disabled participation by creating disability wings in their sub-organizations. The event also addressed various issues faced by disabled youth, focusing on social and political acceptance, employment, and education opportunities, aiming to integrate them into the national mainstream.