HYDERABAD — The Association of Welfare of Handicap Persons (AWHP) Hyderabad held a grand reception on June 22 to honor Abid Lashari, the President of the National Disability Forum (NDF) Pakistan, in recognition of his significant contributions to the welfare of persons with disabilities. The event celebrated Lashari’s receipt of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, a prestigious civil award acknowledging his dedicated service.
What Happened
The reception, organized by AWHP Hyderabad, was attended by various dignitaries, including Saeed Khan, President of AWHP, Mateen Khan, the General Secretary, and senior member Naeem Ahmed Qureshi. During the event, speakers lauded Lashari’s efforts in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistan. Saeed Khan remarked, “Abid Lashari’s work has brought significant improvements in the lives of many disabled individuals, providing them with opportunities and hope.”
Abid Lashari, in his address, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his commitment to the cause. He stated, “This honor is not just mine but belongs to everyone who has supported the movement for disability rights in Pakistan. Together, we can achieve more for an inclusive society.” The event also included discussions on future initiatives to further enhance the welfare and integration of disabled individuals into mainstream society.
Background
Abid Lashari has been a prominent figure in the disability rights movement in Pakistan. As the President of NDF, he has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at improving accessibility and providing support services for persons with disabilities. The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz awarded to Lashari is one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, recognizing individuals who have rendered outstanding services to the country.
The AWHP, a non-governmental organization based in Hyderabad, has been actively involved in supporting disabled persons through various programs and advocacy efforts. The organization collaborates with government bodies and other NGOs to promote policies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Why It Matters
The recognition of Abid Lashari’s work underscores the growing awareness and importance of disability rights in Pakistan. With an estimated 15% of the population living with some form of disability, initiatives led by individuals like Lashari are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by this community. The reception highlights the need for continued advocacy and support at both governmental and societal levels to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens.
Economically, empowering persons with disabilities can contribute significantly to the workforce, enhancing productivity and reducing dependency. Socially, it fosters a more inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and supported. Politically, it emphasizes the government’s commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, aligning with international conventions such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), to which Pakistan is a signatory.
The event also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in implementing policies that effectively address the needs of disabled individuals. It calls for a concerted effort from all sectors of society to create an environment where persons with disabilities can thrive and contribute to the nation’s development.
Key Takeaways
- The AWHP Hyderabad organized a reception to honor Abid Lashari for his contributions to disability rights.
- Abid Lashari received the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his services to persons with disabilities.
- The event highlighted the importance of continued advocacy for disability rights in Pakistan.
- Empowering persons with disabilities can have significant economic and social benefits.
- There is a need for effective implementation of policies supporting disabled individuals.
Source Attribution
The information for this article was sourced from the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The details provided are based on official statements and the event coverage by APP. Any limitations in the source material are inherent to the primary reporting by APP.
