Legal framework for protection of persons with disabilities in Pakistan: gaps and recommendations.

Abstract

While rights to have political representation and mandatory registration are fundamental human rights of every citizen of a country, in Pakistan, these rights are not available to persons with Disabilities (PWD). In order to ensure these rights in relation to PWD in Pakistan, the government should amend the Constitution to provide reserved seats for PWD in the Parliament, Senate and in Provincial Assemblies. Further, the political parties should reserve seats for PWD in party quotas. Moreover, and most importantly, a legislation is required to ensure that PWD does not only register their CNIC, but a well-established procedure is needed to provide an easy and efficient way for mandatory registration in the form of obtaining disability certificate and Special National Identity Card.