South Asian Academy of Management

Abstract

This note examines disability legislation and policy in Pakistan, highlighting federal and provincial frameworks, employment and education quotas, and their implementation. It reviews recent acts across ICT, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting variations from 2% to 5% in employment quotas and provisions for inclusive education. Census 2023 findings show 3.1% report disability, while 9.64% experience functional limitations, with disparities by gender, rural-urban residence, and province. Judicial rulings affirm disability rights as constitutional guarantees, while organizations such as Unilever, Telenor, and KFC provide models of inclusion. Role models further exemplify progress, though significant implementation gaps remain.

Citation: Syed, J. (2025). Disability and Inclusion in Pakistan: Prevalence, Policies, and Barriers. SAAM Working Paper Series 250901. South Asian Academy of Management.

Indicative Discussion Questions

1. How effective are employment quotas (2–5%) in promoting genuine inclusion of persons with disabilities in Pakistan, and what alternative or complementary measures might strengthen implementation?
2. What does the 2023 Census distinction between “disability” (3.1%) and “functional limitation” (9.64%) imply for policy design and service delivery?
3. How do provincial variations in disability legislation (e.g., Sindh’s 5% quota vs. KP’s 2%) reflect differing priorities, and what lessons can be drawn for harmonization?
4. What role can organizational initiatives play in bridging the gap between legislation and lived realities for persons with disabilities?

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