Sajid Ali Malik resides in Bristol, about a two-and-a-half-hour journey from London. His roots trace back to Mirpur. During childhood, he became disabled in one leg due to typhoid and now relies on crutches. However, with the opportunities available, he moved to the UK, got married, and raised children who are now attending universities. He is free from financial worries and never let his disability become a hindrance. He continues to work and remain self-sufficient.
The UK deserves appreciation for treating disabled individuals as “special persons” and ensuring they do not have to depend on anyone. In fact, in Britain and Europe, these special individuals often enjoy more privileges than the average citizen. Government financial support for disabled individuals is so comprehensive that entire families can sustain themselves. Alongside financial assistance, they are fully integrated into society through education and social participation, receiving VIP-like treatment, something unimaginable in Pakistan.
A Visit to Azad Kashmir
Two years ago, Sajid Ali accompanied me on a journey from Dhirkot (Azad Kashmir) to Muzaffarabad and then back to Rawalpindi. Accustomed to the UK’s facilities, where disabled individuals have designated restrooms, he found the situation in Pakistan challenging. He refrained from drinking or eating during the trip from Rawalpindi to Dhirkot to avoid using inaccessible washrooms. On our return, he struggled to find an English-style toilet for ablution.
In Dhirkot, a well-known businessman and philanthropist who also resides in Nottingham (UK) hosted a program for disabled individuals, where Sajid Ali was the chief guest. Around 20 disabled individuals from nearby areas attended, including members of Neelabat Welfare Foundation and Ehsaas Welfare Society, which work for disabled individuals.
Challenges Faced by Disabled Individuals in Azad Kashmir
Sardar Javed Abbasi emphasized that supporting disabled individuals should be society’s top priority, yet no practical work is being done. Nasser Altaf, chairman of Ehsaas Welfare Society of Special Persons, shared his personal journey of completing education and securing a job despite being physically disabled.
Major (Retd.) Raja Mumtaz Siddique, who lost an eye during the Kargil conflict, stressed the need for workshops and a comprehensive database for disabled individuals. He pointed out the lack of wheelchair access in public and private buildings in mountainous areas. The event also included social activist Sardar Hammad Gul and representatives from Maktoum Bin Far Blind Society.
A Heartbreaking Reality
I interacted with disabled women, visually impaired individuals, and survivors of the 2005 earthquake. Their struggles left me deeply disturbed. I wondered how a country founded for Muslims could treat its disabled and vulnerable citizens with such neglect.
Instead of providing opportunities, society turns disabled individuals into professional beggars, depriving them of education and treating them with contempt rather than compassion. They face discrimination, lack of basic facilities, and no employment opportunities.
A Promise for Advocacy
I promised the attendees that I would continue highlighting their issues. Pakistan is a large country, and I intend to bring attention to the conditions of disabled individuals in other regions as well.
In Azad Kashmir, out of ten districts, only Muzaffarabad has a government institution called “National Education for Special Persons”. The remaining nine districts lack any dedicated facilities for disabled individuals.
The Reality of Disability in Azad Kashmir
Nasreen Aziz, founder and chairperson of “Chiragh Manzil”, was a wheelchair-bound school teacher from Bagh, Azad Kashmir. She revealed that 20% of Azad Kashmir’s population is disabled, primarily due to the rugged terrain, accidents, diseases, and the 2005 earthquake, which left 55,000 people disabled, including 332 individuals with permanent spinal injuries requiring wheelchairs. Tragically, she passed away last year—may Allah grant her peace.
She also highlighted the social stigma surrounding disabled individuals, as many are fully capable of marriage but struggle to find partners.
The disabled population includes individuals with physical disabilities, speech and hearing impairments, blindness, and mental illnesses—all requiring urgent attention. However, NGOs and UN agencies are not providing any substantial support, and the government lacks funds for their welfare.
Key Demands for Disabled Individuals
- Separate data collection in the national census for disabled individuals.
- Free healthcare and education for all disabled individuals.
- Financial stipends from Zakat and Awqaf funds for completely disabled individuals.
- Interest-free loans and a 2% employment quota to help disabled youth become self-sufficient.
- Mandatory accessibility in all public and private buildings.
- Provision of suitable housing in accessible areas.
- Free ambulance services for disabled individuals.
- Government institutions dedicated to disabled welfare and inclusion.
A Call for Change
Allah has honored humans with intelligence and wisdom, making them superior to angels. Throughout history, nations that prioritized education and inclusivity progressed, while those that ignored segments of their population remained behind.
Unfortunately, Pakistan continues to neglect its large disabled population, treating them as burdens rather than empowering them as productive members of society. This must change.