Leader and Representative of Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) of Sindh/Pakistan
- Leading a self-established and registered DPO (Disabled Welfare Association) for implementation of CRPD in Pakistan since 2003.
- Managing HANDS Independent Living Center efficiently with integrity and effective decision making since its inception in 2016.
- An ardent leader of the disability movement with dedicated services for developing and motivating self-help groups of youths with disabilities and community members.
Personal Details
- Professionally trained expert in Independent Living (from Japan and USA).
- Successfully completed various projects funded by UNHCR, Handicapped International, World Bank, Siemens and other donor groups.
- Contributed in drafting, submission and approval of legislation for protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (Pakistan Disability Act – Sindh).
- Played a key role in increasing disability quota from 2% to 5% in Sindh.
- Secured approval of Accessibility Law from the High Court, ensuring newly constructed buildings are accessible.
- Provides platforms to groom and empower persons with disabilities.
- Advocates for establishment of a Special Court to address legal issues of persons with disabilities.
- Strong coordination and networking with NGOs and DPOs including HANDS Pakistan, UN Women, Handicapped International, STEP, Saaya, Milestone and others.
- Excellent networking skills at national and international level (DPI, Sakura and CBID).
- International facilitator and consultant.
- Compassionate leader with experience across diverse communities.
- Provides financial assistance and assistive devices to deserving individuals with disabilities.
- Organizer of major sports events for persons with disabilities.
Education
1995 – 1997: BA in English, Economics and Political Science from Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi.
Achievements and Accolades
- 2018: Honored with the ‘Henry Viscardi’ International Lifetime Achievement Award, USA.
- Internationally recognized representative of persons with disabilities from Sindh with over 17 years of commendable service.
- 2006: Visited Bangladesh as representative and leader of persons with disabilities from Pakistan (Sindh).
- 2007: Participated in International Basketball Tournament in Pattaya, Thailand.
International Disability Leadership Exposure
- 2011: Participated in 8th Abilympics, Seoul, South Korea.
- 2012 & 2014: Participated in Disability Leadership Training, Japan.
- 2015: Attended CBR Conference, Japan as Sindh representative.
- 2016: Participated in 9th Abilympics, Pessac, France.
- 2018: Participated in Indo-Pak Wheelchair Cricket Series.
Experience
Disabled Peoples’ International (2015 – Present)
- General Secretary.
- Strengthening South Asian DPI members’ networking.
- South Asia Focal Point.
- Vice Chair at Asia Pacific Level.
Director Project – HANDS ILC (2017 – Present)
- Managing execution of all HANDS-ILC activities.
- Overseeing financial status, budgets and resources.
- Ensuring efficiency of project personnel.
- Provision of Personal Care Attendants.
- Facilitating users with diverse disabilities.
President & Founder – Disabled Welfare Association (2000 – Present)
- Mobility Workshop designing modified assistive devices including tricycles, tri-motorbikes and wheelchairs (World Bank funded).
- Self-Respect Project empowering persons with disabilities through modified rickshaws and tuck shops.
- Established Literacy Centre in Lyari for basic literacy and computer courses.
Sindh Disability Forum (2007 – 2012)
- President.
- Supported provincial network of DPOs in Sindh.
- Provided information and peer support.
- Coordinated at national level.
Community Based Inclusive Development (2012 – Present)
- Provincial Coordinator – Sindh.
- Leading inclusive development network and sports initiatives.
Other Contributions
- Served in NADRA (1998 – 2006).
- Introduced inclusive sports across Sindh and Pakistan including:
- Wheelchair Cricket
- Basketball
