Punjab launches first-ever 'Special Education Policy'

Government of Punjab launched the Special Education Policy to ensure People with Disabilities (PwDs) in Punjab can start the next decade with a more welcoming, inclusive and improved education system that meets their needs.

The policy aims at improving governance within the Special Education department and also enhancing cooperation between different departments involved in education. The number of educational institutions dedicated to Special Education department will be increased and enhanced, and the role of the Research and Development Unit will be made more central to provide analyses key to better decision-making.

During the event, Special Education department highlighted the stories of inspiring Pakistanis who are also PwDs to show what the next generation of Pakistanis who will benefit from this policy could look like. These individuals have achieved and surmounted incredible odds, the policy will help the next generation achieve the same in an environment that recognizes they have much to contribute and nurture their talents. This featured the story of Abdul Razzaq, former captain of two times World Cup winner Blind Cricket Team of Pakistan, who also attended this event.

Kemi Willims, Deputy Head of DFID Pakistan, said, "Children with disabilities are ten times less likely to visit a school". She also stressed on the rights of PWDs. Chaudhry Muhammad Akhlaq, Provincial Minister for Special Education, said that "We are not treating special education as an afterthought; we are making it central to what we intend to do.