Specially-Abled People in Hunza, PoGB Criticize Local Administration for Lack of Support
Hunza, located in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB), recently saw several specially-abled individuals voicing their concerns about the lack of support from the local administration. During a meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), these individuals highlighted the numerous challenges they face.
Meeting Highlights
The meeting, attended by PoGB’s Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development, Dilshad Bano, brought to light the inconsistency in data regarding the number of specially-abled people in the region. Government sources report around 1,000 specially-abled individuals, while private data suggests the number is closer to 1,800.
Data Issues
One specially-abled member pointed out that inaccurate data makes it difficult to receive grants. He explained that the data includes people with minor issues like back pain or weak eyesight due to old age, which skews the numbers and affects the distribution of resources.
Lack of Support
The activist also criticized officials for not spending enough time understanding their needs. He mentioned that there are no help centers or officials dedicated to assisting specially-abled people in Hunza. Despite this, individual businessmen, NGOs, and community members have been supportive, even helping run a small school for specially-abled children.
Job and Education Challenges
A female activist highlighted issues in the job examination system. Although there is a special quota for specially-abled individuals, they are forced to compete with non-disabled people, making it difficult to secure jobs. She also criticized the education system for not being inclusive, pointing out the lack of special resource centers and teachers trained to meet their needs.
She expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises of resources and special teams, questioning whether the government takes their needs seriously. She urged the government to allocate funds for their betterment, emphasizing that it is their responsibility to support specially-abled individuals.
Doubts Revealed
Hunza -: Hunza is a beautiful valley located in the northern part of Pakistan. It is known for its stunning landscapes and mountains.
PoGB -: PoGB stands for Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan. It is a region administered by Pakistan but is also claimed by India.
Specially-abled -: Specially-abled refers to people who have physical or mental conditions that make certain activities more challenging for them. It is a respectful way to talk about people with disabilities.
Local administration -: Local administration means the local government officials and departments responsible for managing and providing services in a specific area.
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan -: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan is an organization that works to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan. They help ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
Inconsistent data -: Inconsistent data means that the information collected is not reliable or accurate. This can make it hard to understand the real situation and needs of specially-abled people.
Activists -: Activists are people who work to bring about social or political change. They often speak up for the rights and needs of others.