Human Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
in the light of United Nation’s convention on the right of PWDs,
Regent Plaza Hotel, Karachi.

Mr. Zaigham M. Rizvi (Chief Patron - PAD),
Mr. Akbar Mehmood,
Mr. Rafique (Human Rights),
Mr. Abid,
Mr. Daud Moosa Desai (DSI Group),
Dr. Saira Bano (KRG Group)

Theme:
            Human Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the light of United Nation’s convention on the right of PWDs.

Aim and Objective:
            To impart knowledge to the deaf community about United Nation’s convention on Human Rights for Disabled Persons. UN convention has been approved and signed by many countries of the world but Pakistan government hasn’t signed it yet. Pakistan Deaf community wants this convention to be approved and signed as it will help them in getting their rights.

Tilawat-e-Quran:

Mr. Ismail (deaf member) recited a surah from the Quran to start the program.

Introduction of PAD:

Mr. Syed Amin Ahmed gave an introduction about PAD and its work for the welfare of Deaf community and highlighted current activities of PAD.

Drama – 1 (Human Rights):

Mr. Furqan, Ambreen, Sadaf, Tahir, Ejaz and Mr. Wahid Ali Shah presented a drama. It was a very good activity and was appreciated by the people.

Introduction:
Mr. Irfan Mumtaz – President of PAD gave an introduction about Human Rights in the view of Pakistan Association of the Deaf.

Drama – 2
 

Speech by the President:

Mr. Irfan Mumtaz delivered a speech on “Human Rights of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the light of United Nation’s convention on the right of PWD”. He focused on some of the core issues regarding human rights of PWDs.

Drama – 3
 

Appreciation for Mr. Wahid Ali Shah:

Mr. Kamran Tariq appreciated Mr. Wahid Ali Shah for his supervision in renovation work at PAD (voluntarily).

Speech by Mr. Syed Amin Ahmed:
Mr. Syed Amin Ahmed highlighted problems of the Deaf community regarding education.
Mr. Amin said appreciated the efforts of deaf students like Bilal, Mashhood, Ashraf, Fatima and others. He said that all students should try to follow the footsteps of good students.

Speech by Ms. Fazila:
Ms. Fazila Shamim said that the role of sign language interpreter is very important. Interpreter acts as a person who fills the communication gap that exists among deaf and hearing persons. She added that PAD is planning to start a new association for sign language interpreters. The name would be “PASLI – Pakistan Association of Sign Language Interpreters”.

Speech by Mr. Shahid Ali:
Mr. Shahid Ali said that he has a very strong relation with deaf community. He started learning sign language and worked with the deaf as a special educator. He also added that he also works as an interpreter to help the deaf in their problems. The importance of speech therapy for the deaf was also highlighted by Mr. Shahid Ali.

Mr. Daud Moosa Desai (DSI Group):

Mr. Daud Moosa Desai (DSI Group) announced a donation of Rs. 100,000/-. He also added that driving license problem is still pending and this issue has not been resolved till now. Government should take steps to solve this issue.

Mr. Zaigham highlighted the importance of human rights of the persons with disabilities. He said that the government is not doing much effort to promote deaf community and to solve their problems. It is very difficult without the help of government. Mr. Zaigham said that all healthy people or who have no disability think that disabled persons lack one or other ability but blind are those who have eyes but are unable to see. Some people who have hearing are like deaf because they do not want to hear about the problems of the deaf. Mr. Zaigham said that he always feel proud to work with the deaf community and said that he also works with other associations as well. He said that no one agrees for the ministry of special education and if someone agrees then he / she tries to change the ministry. He also thanked Mr. Daud Moosa Desai for his donation to PAD.

(Mr. Zaigham was sick but he attended and apologized for coming late. It was a very kind gesture from his side.

Guest of Honour:
Ms. Dr. Saira Bano (Manager, Admin & PR – Kalia Group):

Dr. Saira supported PAD for new computer lab. She assured of her cooperation for the deaf community all over Pakistan especially in Balochistan region. She also apologized for coming late due to traffic problem and her other engagements.

Vote of Thanks:
Mr. Irfan – President of PAD thanked all the people.

Group Photo

 Mr. Zaigham M. Rizvi (Chairman - HBFC), Mr. Irfan Mumtaz (President – PAD), Mr. Akbar Mehmood, Mr. Rafique (Human Rights), Mr. Abid, Mr. Waseem (G.S – BDWS), Mr. Kamran Tariq (G.S – PAD),  Mr. Daud Moosa Desai (DSI Group), Ms. Fazila Shamim (Interpreter),  Mr. Mansoor Majood (Vice President – PAD), Mr. Amin Ahmed (English Teacher - PAD), Ms. Shahida Ibrahim (Chairperson – Women wing), Mr. Shahid Ali (Speech Pathologist)