Karachi: The Pakistan Business and Disability Network (PBDN) successfully hosted its first Policy Dialogue on Disability Inclusion, bringing together government officials, private sector representatives, international organizations, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to discuss policy reforms aimed at enhancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistan’s national development framework.

According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, the event focused on three key policy areas: the SME Policy, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Policy, and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). The dialogue sought to identify ways in which these policies could be made more responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs), with the goal of ensuring their active participation in education, training, and employment.

The event, chaired by Ghulam Mohiuddin Asim, Additional Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh, featured presentations from organizations including GIZ, Sightsavers, TVET, PMYP, SMEDA, ILO, and OPDs. Participants were divided into working groups to discuss the presentations and propose specific policy reforms. Mr. Asim emphasized the importance of effective implementation of existing policies, urging collaboration across sectors to create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

This dialogue marks a significant step in PBDN’s mission to promote disability-inclusive policies in Pakistan.