Official records from Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics and NADRA reveal that only 2.38% of the PWD population was recorded in the 1998 census and a mere 0.48% in the 2017 census.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 16% of the world’s population experiences some form of disability. If we apply this estimation to Pakistan’s population, it would translate into an estimated 27–33 million people living with disabilities. The official records from Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics and NADRA reveal that only 2.38% of the PWD population was recorded in the 1998 census and a mere 0.48% in the 2017 census.
Even after the 2023 census, unfortunately, this gap will still remain unfilled because the process of conducting the census is not accessible for most people with disabilities, including hearing and speech disabilities, as there is no provision for a sign language interpreter or other communication support services during data collection.
Secondly, as some disabilities are not apparent or visible, there is a risk that census enumerators may assume that a person does not have a disability. These issues can result in underreporting or inaccurate reporting of disability status in Pakistan. However, one can still hope that history does not repeat itself.
Muhammad, a resident of Sujawal district in Sindh, faces tremendous difficulty in finding suitable employment due to the lack of a special CNIC. Without this identification, he is unable to access government job opportunities, financial assistance, and specialised support services.
Consequently, Muhammad remains unemployed, unable to contribute to the economy, and reliant on limited social welfare programs. This story encapsulates the challenges faced by countless PWDs in Pakistan. Clearly, it highlights the far-reaching implications of the registration gap for misrepresentation, perpetuating the exclusion and marginalisation of PWDs and hindering their socioeconomic development.
“I have visited many NADRA offices in different locations to get my Special CNIC processed, as only then will I be eligible to apply for government jobs, dreaming of somehow supporting my family instead of being a burden to them with high costs attached to my life. However, I was informed that I would need a disability certificate first to get my special CNIC processed. Once I got to know about the process of getting this certificate, I was immediately haunted by the thought of visiting multiple government offices in different locations stretched into 2 to 3 months, when in comparison, my counterpart (a person without a disability) can get their shanakht in 30 to 40 minutes by visiting just one office. And of course, my visual impairment does not let me travel or communicate with ease either.”
The population of PWDs constitutes a significant segment of society, and ensuring their inclusion and recognition is crucial for the overall well-being and development of a nation. However, the gap still exists in Pakistan, where a substantial number of PWDs remain uncounted and unrecognised by the state.
These implications are not just limited to the individual; they have severe economic implications for the nation as a whole too. One significant consequence for the nation, according to the British Council, is that Pakistan faces economic losses of as much as US$11.9 billion–15.4 billion, or 4.9–6.3% of Pakistan’s GDP.
This is because the population of PWDs faces challenges in accessing employment opportunities due to the prerequisite of having a special CNIC, or their Shanakht, along with attitudinal and environmental barriers that they face on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the policies and resource allocations designed to cater to the needs of PWDs are not reflective of the actual size of the population. This highlights the urgent need to address the registration gap.
The recognition and inclusion of PWDs through the issuance of special CNICs hold significant importance for both individuals and society as a whole.
Having a recognized identity ensures access to a range of essential services, which themselves are not reflective of the actual population size of the community, but nonetheless, some do exist. These services include access to education, healthcare, social welfare programs, and employment opportunities.
Moreover, identity recognition plays a crucial role in challenging societal stigmas and promoting the rights and dignity of PWDs. By obtaining a special CNIC, individuals with disabilities can gain a sense of belonging and validation, which can enhance their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Recognizing the urgency to fill the registration gap, the government of Pakistan has taken various initiatives to address the challenges faced by PWDs across different provinces.
In Punjab, the provincial government has introduced online registration systems to streamline the process and improve accessibility. While this initiative has its merits, it also presents certain challenges, such as limited internet access in rural areas and the need for improved sensitization among National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) officials.
In Sindh, the provincial government, in partnership with non-governmental organisations like NOWPDP, conducts one-window camps to facilitate the registration process for PWDs. These camps serve as centralized hubs where individuals can complete all necessary procedures to obtain their special CNICs and disability certificates in one day instead of the usual 8 to 12 weeks.
This approach has shown promise in expediting the registration process and providing convenience to PWDs. Through these models, thousands of PWDs have been identified and have been provided with their legal Shanakht in rural and urban citiesinf Sindh. However, further efforts are required to enhance the reach of such models and ensure their sustainability.
The question remains whether such small-scale initiatives act like a band-aid to address systemic issues. In addition to sensitising the NADRA and other government officials and conducting more one-window camps, there is a need to strengthen the social benefits attached to the Special CNIC.
The Special CNIC should be strengthened to create awareness regarding disabilities and reasonable accommodations.
The SCNIC can be used as a tool to provide targeted subsidies under various national and provincial welfare programs that can increase registration momentum and simultaneously assist them by reducing the high cost of living that PWDs have to go through, which itself becomes a tool of exclusion. Hence, facilities like discounts on utilities, groceries, healthcare, education, and transportation can enable PWDs to become active citizens of Pakistan.
The economic impact of the registration gap for PWDs in Pakistan cannot be overlooked. The undercounting and exclusion of a significant population segment hinder the nation’s socio-economic progress and perpetuate inequality. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that involves sensitization programs, streamlined registration processes, and the strengthening of the Special CNIC.
By recognising the economic potential and rights of PWDs, Pakistan can foster a more inclusive society that benefits all its citizens. Ensuring comprehensive identity recognition for PWDs will not only empower individuals but also contribute to the nation’s overall development and prosperity.