CIP Advocates for Increased Accessibility for PWDs in Bannu

July 15, 2021: In continuation to efforts regarding construction of ramp for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at EHSAAS Program Office in Bannu, TDEA’s regional Mentor along with Coalition for Inclusive Pakistan (CIP) members held meetings with Mr. Asif Iqbal, Assistant Director (AD), EHSAAS program, a program launched by Prime Minister of Pakistan, with the objective to curtail the economic hardships being faced by the vulnerable segments of the society and to uplift the marginalized people during the ongoing COVID crises. On the occasion of International Day of Special Persons, on December 3, 2020, the EHSAAS Kafalat Policy was expanded to Ehsaas Kafaalat Policy for Special Persons, according to which PWDs are entitled to a monthly stipend of PKR 2000.  However, in Bannu, PWDs are facing hurdles including lack of accessible public spaces such as no ramps for PWDs in the EHSAAS office. Furthermore, to avail their stipends, they have to sit outside for long periods. In order to facilitate PWDs in availing their stipends, the CIP members advocated with the EHSAAS team. A total of three meetings were conducted following which, Mr. Iqbal wrote an email wrote a letter to the senior management, requesting funds and permission for the construction of the ramp.  The officer is hopeful for a positive response by the authorities.