ISLAMABAD - In connection with the commemoration of “One Year of the Ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)” a seminar was held here on Thursday with the theme of rehabilitation of persons with disabilities to explore avenues for providing job access to the marginalized segments of the society. 

Directorate General of Special Education & Social Welfare with the collaboration of STEP, Sight-Savers Pakistan and Lenoard Cheshire Disability Pakistan organised the event.
Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Capital Administration & Development (CA&D) speaking on the occasion, said that the micro-credit facility for PWDs is an important initiative as it will provide them an opportunity to start small-scale businesses, which will eventually lead to their economic empowerment. He further said it is equally important to engage PWDs and provide them guidance for amicable utilization of micro-credit facility so that ultimate beneficiaries should be PWDs.  
The Secretary distributed 10 sewing machines, 20 pairs of crutches, 25 wheel chairs, 05 assistive aids for blind persons and 03 laptops among Persons with Disabilities. As many as 10 persons with disabilities were provided micro-credit facility with the collaboration of Helping Hand Relief & Development (HHRD) amounting to Rs. 35000/- to start small-scale business whereas 10 PWDs having physical and hearing impairment were provided job in international food chains. Three persons with disabilities were given keys of Tuck Shops established for their income generation. At the end of the Seminar, Secretary distributed shields souvenirs among organizers of the event. 
While speaking on the occasion Syed Mustafain Kazmi, Director General Special Education and Social Welfare said that the government has ratified the Convention on July 5, 2011 which aims to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by the persons with disabilities at all levels, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
After ratification, implementation of the Convention has become mandatory for the Government of Pakistan. He stressed on multinational companies, business community and philanthropists to come forward and show commitment under Corporate Social Responsibility for economic empowerment of PWDs. Representative of International / National NGO’s, Disabled Persons Organization (DPOs) and persons with disabilities in large numbers participated in the seminar. 
The government has initiated activities for the implementation of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a National Committee has been constituted having representation of groups from all Provinces, line Ministries, Divisions, Departments, INGOs, NGOs and above all the Persons with Disabilities. National Committee having representation of all stakeholders will formulate the action plan on CRPD for its implementation in true spirit.