Don’t differentiate between civil, military disabled, govt asked

SHARAN (Pajhwok): People with disabilities in southeastern Paktika province say the government should not differentiate between civilian and military disabled persons and give them equal rights.

They made the remarks at a gathering on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was attended by representatives of the government and aid agencies.

Hekmatyar, head of the Sharana Association of the Disabled, told Pajhwok Afghan News that 400 disabled people were registered with them and the recent changes had affected them and they were living in poor conditions.

He added that the sufferings and pains of all persons with disabilities are the same, there should be no distinction between them in the name of civil and military and equal rights should be given to them.

In recent months, he said, the World Food Program (WFP) provided food aid to 600 people with disabilities, but no one else has assisted them.

Ahmad, a disabled man, told Pajhwok Afghan News that he lost his limbs in an explosion a few years ago and was now carrying the burden of life on his body. He said he has a family of six but is unable to take care of them. He called on the government and the aid community to help them.

Gul Wazir Faisal, head of the Swedish Aid Committee for the Disabled in Afghanistan, said he planned to create job opportunities for people with disabilities in the province and help them stand on their own feet economically. “People with disabilities have the right to education and work,” he said.

He promised the disabled that the committee would provide vocational training, work in institutions and other living facilities to the disabled in various fields.

Maulvi Minhaj, Director of Martyrs and Disabled Affairs, said that they have started compiling a systematic list of the disabled people in the province so that they can get their rights in a transparent manner in future.

He added that the government does not differentiate between civilians and the military and is committed to upholding their rights.

It is worth mentioning that people with disabilities have not received their rights in Paktika for the last three months.

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