Islamabad, 17^th June 2025 – Ministry of Human Rights held a National Consultation on List of Issues Related to Pakistan’s Initial Report on United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad.

The Director General, Ministry of Human Right, Mr. Muhammad Arshad welcomed the esteemed guests from the relevant Federal Ministries, Commissions, and Civil Society Organizations, dealing with the promotion and protection of rights and freedoms for the Persons with Disabilities.  The consultative session aimed to discuss the List of Issues shared by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and facilitate stakeholders in preparing their responses as Pakistan is required to submit its report before the UN committee monitoring implementation of CRPD in August, 2025. 

The Director, Ministry of Human Rights, Mr. Muhammad Arif Leghari deliberated on the evolution of the UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities. While giving account of the historical developments, he shared Pakistan’s efforts towards ratification of the conventions. He also sensitized the participants on the salient features of UNCRPD and steps needed to be taken to adopt the Convention in letter and spirit.

The Deputy Director, Ministry of Human Rights, Ms. Khaola Batool presented Matrix based on the List of Issues, clustered into thirty thematic areas seeking updated information/ data on a range of issues including harmonization of legislation with the Convention, equality and non-discrimination, protective measures taken for women and girls with disabilities, concrete plans undertaken for inclusion of children with disabilities among others. She deliberated on the key thematic areas of the convention followed by an exhaustive discussion on gap analysis pertaining to federal responses on the List of Issues. All stakeholders shared updates and resolved to share detailed progress reports in line with List of Issues vis-à-vis gap analysis.