International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed jointly by public and private sector.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed at a Pearl Continental Hotel at Karachi organized jointly by Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), Department of Social Welfare, Government of Sindh and APHA (Association of the Physically Handicapped Adults) with the sponsorship of Help Age International (a German based NGO) with the theme for 2020 “Building Back Better: toward a disability – inclusive assessable and sustainable post – COVID-19 World”

Guests included Mr. Imdad Channa, Director Focal Person, Senior Citizens, Mr. Abu Baker Madni both from Social Welfare Department, Government of Sindh, Mr. Muktar Kapri Project Coordinator SRSO, Mr. S.M. Nishat General Secretary APHA, Professor Shugufta Shahzadi University of Karachi and Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Bhutto of OLD People Association, Mr. Danish Khan Advisor and several members of APHA.

Welcoming the guests Ms. Uroosa Khatti focal person of SRSO mentioned that the purpose/objective of this august gathering is to highlight the needs and issues of Older People with disabilities and emphasis on implementation of Sindh Senior Citizen Welfare Act as implementation of this act will prevent older people from becoming disabled.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Imdad Channa gave the progress made step by step on the implementation of the Sind Senior Citizens Welfare Act 2014, passed in 2016 and the success of making an Annual Development Scheme and approval of Rs.75.20 million for construction of Shelter Home for Senior Citizens in District Central of Karachi which is nearly completion. He informed that a MoU was signed in 2019 with the Help Age International for framing rules etc. for implementation of the Act. He further informed that Chief Minister Sindh Mr. Murad Ali Shah has sanctioned/allotted Rs.30 Million for establishment of Senior Citizens Welfare Fund in the budget of 2020/2021 for the effective implementation of Senior Citizens Welfare act 2016.

Mr. Abu Bakar Madni told the audience that the relation between the Government and the NGOs now also named as NPOs is quiet content. He informed the audience in detail about the Sindh Charities Registration and Regulation Act 2019 by virtue of which all the NGOs working in Sind are required to be registered under the above Act by February 15, 2021 as after that date the old law will become obsolete.  He explained in detail different functions and authority of the Commission.

Mr. Mukhtar Kapri spoke on the history and progress of observance of International day of Persons with Disabilities under the charter of the United Nations.

Mr. S.M. Nishat and Professor Shugufta Shahzadi also delivered speeches highlighting the needs and addressing of various problems faced by Persons with Disabilities.

Then Mrs. Erum Saem, Director Women with Disabilities of APHA expressed and highlighted through Multi Media  various  activities performed by APHA especially during the lock down distribution of rations, medicines and other supports to PWDs and also to normal needy persons.  APHA members also spoke about their individual Problems and achievements. Ms. Kausar Salmani MCM of APHA narrated a poem on the occasion which was liked by all the audience.

In the end certificates were distributed among the participants and some awards were also given to the persons who worked actively in the lock down period of COVID-19.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the organizers, speakers, the participants and the Help Age International the sponsors and was followed by lunch. Special thanks earned by Mr. Abdul Qudoos, coordination and Communication Officer SRSO for his efforts to make the program successful.