Karachi, The Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), in collaboration with various organizations including the Pakistan Business and Disability Network, International Labor Organization (ILO), Sightsavers Pakistan, and GIZ, organized the first-ever Disability Inclusion Excellence Awards 2023. The ceremony recognized organizations with outstanding disability inclusion practices, promoting an inclusive workplace environment.
According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, 35 organizations participated in the awards, with those meeting the basic threshold honored for their exemplary practices in disability inclusion. Winners included Agriauto Industries Ltd, Akhtar Textile Industries, Artistic Milliners, Bank Alfalah, Bank of Punjab, Dr. Essa Laboratory and Diagnostic Center, Dubai Islamic Bank, Feroze1888 Mills, Herbion Pakistan, Ismail Industries, K-Electric, Lucky Textile Mills, Meezan Bank, Nestlé Pakistan, Pakistan Eye Bank Society Hospital, Pak-Qatar Takaful, Sadaqat Ltd, Standard Chartered Bank, Unilever Pakistan, and Zaamin Builders. These organizations demonstrated significant commitment to creating inclusive workplaces for individuals with disabilities.
The award ceremony was attended by over 200 participants, including representatives from employers, workers’ federations, NGOs, government departments, and organizations dealing with disability. Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, Minister for Health, Social Welfare, and Health Engineering, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz, in his address, commended the winners and organizers for their commitment to disability inclusion. He emphasized the importance of empowering every individual, regardless of ability, as a critical aspect of a compassionate society. He also highlighted the role of the Disability Inclusion Excellence Awards in promoting inclusivity and equality for differently-abled persons.
Itfaq Khaliq Khan, Senior Programme Manager at Sightsavers Pakistan, emphasized the importance of recognizing each person’s potential beyond their physical abilities, while Muhammad Ubaid, Project Manager for Women’s Employment at GIZ, acknowledged GIZ’s commitment to promoting decent work and their support for disability inclusion initiatives.
Muhammad Feroz Alam, Vice President of EFP, expressed pride in celebrating disability inclusion excellence through the awards, showcasing the commitment to inclusive workplaces. He announced that EFP, in partnership with PBDN and other supporters, would annually hold the Disability Award event to coincide with International Disability Day on December 3rd each year.