Government officials, Civil Society, Community members, PWDs, Special Educational academies, Students/teachers and media representatives participated at the occasion,  “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”.

The conference started with recitation of the Holy Quran. After the recitation a short speech was delivered by the Executive Director; Akber Zeb to take the proceedings forward.

Executive Director (EPS) Mr Akebr Zeb welcomed and thanked the participants. He put light over the International day of PWDs, rights and difficulties facing by them in our society. He also discussed PPAF-EPS  role being played in the area in the last two decades regarding the  improvement of living standard of Persons with Disabilities in the targeted area of district swat. The ED raised the issues of PWDs and particularly society’s negative attitude, making more difficult the life of PWDs. Attention of the community, government agencies and civil society was focused to promote and to protect the rights of PWDs in the society.

He requested government authority to give special attention viz, quota in government services. It will definitely encourage PWDs as it is more than 10% percent of our population.  There is limited access of PWDs to different resources including school, market, business, recreational activities etc. The PWDs will remain invisible unless a deliberate effort is made to build their capacity and mobilize them to attend and actively participate in  routine activities.

PWDs participated in speech competition, stage shows, quiz competition, skits and other extra circular activities. They performed well and their representative said that they had wanted to do something to show the invitees about their capabilities. This thought of PWDs show that with little guidance and support, they can work for their survival and social rights.

Community Based Organizations (CBOs) along with Disable People Organizations (DPOs) representative also participated in the event. More than 400 participants participated in the event.

Concluding remarks was presented by chief guest Professor Fazli Subhan Afghani. He spoke about world disability day and raise issues/problems faced by PWDs due to society ignorance, it definitely damaged their capabilities. He mentions Qurani Ayat prohibited calling someone with bad names. He reiterated that we ought to work collectively for the neglected segment of our society. The chief guest appreciated the efforts of PPAF-EPS being made for the PWDs of the area.

Prizes were distributed among all PWDs  who actively participated in the stage activities by Chief guest, Assistant Commissioner, ED EPS, Mr. Yasir Ali of PPAF, Chief of Swat Scout Open Group and Director Social Welfare department.