Lahore: August 8, 2012. (PCP) Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) organized a consultation entitled “Pakistan's Response towards Commitments around Disability Issues” to identify the grey areas of domestic legislation, and facilitate dialogue and discussion on the implementation of international commitments made by Pakistan regarding persons with disabilities, held at Dar-ul-Kalam in Lahore on July 18, 2012. The consultation was concerned with two areas which include international commitment and state of implementation in order to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Pakistan. The consultation discussed the importance of including people with disabilities in the development of national strategic plans; upholding their human rights and ensuring that Pakistan has policies that promote zero tolerance for discrimination on the basis of disability. During the consultation, the participants stressed that the government must implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in letter and spirit, and incorporate it in domestic legislation and policies, and create an inclusive environment allowing full realization of the potential of persons with disabilities through their inclusive mainstreaming. Speaking on the occasion, Naseem Anthony said, “Although there is growing international attention for the rights of people with disabilities, but governments and policymakers rarely consider disability issues when formulating their policies.” “The social inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is a dire need for an inclusive society where all the rights of PWDs are realised in true spirit. The time requires reshaping and renewing the mindsets of general public about PWDs,” he added. Shazia Geoge said, “Persons with disabilities often get shunned, doubted, mocked and insulted, therefore making all-out efforts is imperative to build their capacity to advocate for themselves and be an integral part of national mainstream.” Malik Mohammad Aslam said, “Government is devoted to empowering people with disabilities, and creating friendly atmosphere for them to excel in life.” “The government is putting utmost efforts to address hurdles to registering PWDs, and strictly apply the 2 percent quota at all levels reserved for them,” he added. The participants shared, “According to the World Bank and World Health Organization, around 1 billion people, 15 percent of the world’s population including 10 percent Pakistanis live with some kind of disability. They are often at increased risk because of poverty, severely limited access to education, healthcare and employment, lack of information and resources, lack of legal protection, increased risk of violence and rape, vulnerability to substance abuse, and stigma.” The prominent participants included; Dr. Jawwad Afzal (Deputy Director International Coordinator & NCRDP-Islamabad), Malik Mohammad Aslam (Directorate General Social Welfare-Punjab), Naseem Anthony (Executive Secretary-AWAM), Shazia George (Program Supervisor-AWAM), Shafique-ur-Rehman (President-Milestone Society of Disabled People), Imtiaz Fatima (Voice Society of Disabled People) and Advocate Omer Pervaiz. The consultation involved 30 government officials and civil society members engaged with the disability issue from five districts of Punjab including Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Kasur and Lahore to share the situation of persons with disabilities in their respective areas.