Senior Additional Secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Inamullah Khan, submitted a comprehensive report to Speaker Babar Saleem Swati regarding the provincial assembly's involvement in parliamentary activities and international conferences held in Cape Town, South Africa. The report highlighted that the policy shift adopted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on legislation for the rights of persons with disabilities received high praise on the international stage.
Policy Shift from Charitable to Rights-Based Legislation
The briefing noted that under the 1981 law, legislation concerning persons with disabilities was primarily based on a charitable approach. However, the new law enacted in 2018 transformed this concept, adopting a rights-based framework that aligns with the principles of equality and equal opportunity as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
International Recognition at CPA Conference
Inamullah Khan informed the Speaker that during the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference, this legislation and policy shift were presented to representatives from various countries. The participants described the initiative as highly positive and welcomed it as an exemplary and imitable model.
He further mentioned that during the conference, discussions were held with parliamentary delegations from different nations regarding legislative and institutional affairs. The Secretary of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament expressed interest in a bilateral agreement with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to promote cooperation in legislative and other parliamentary matters.
Procedure for Bilateral Agreement
Regarding the proposed bilateral agreement, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly took the stance that such affairs are settled through relevant competent forums and prescribed procedures. Therefore, this proposal would be presented before the Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Upon the Speaker's approval, the Assembly Secretariat would establish formal contact with the relevant institutions.
Speaker's Remarks
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati termed the positive representation of the assembly at the international level and the global recognition of the legislation for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities as an honor for the province and the country. He stated that the Assembly Secretariat would continue its efforts for public welfare and the promotion of human rights in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
