NOWPDP is facilitating the issuance of Special Computerized National Identity Cards (SCNICs) for persons with disabilities (PWDs), enabling members of this disenfranchised group to have access to their rights as Pakistani citizens and avail benefits offered by the public and private institutions for PWDs. Through this project, NOWPDP will organize five registration camps to facilitate the issuance of 1,000 SCNICs of persons with disabilities.
Out of 27 million persons with disabilities in Pakistan, only 600,000 have national identity cards. The lack of identification and recognition of persons with disabilities contributes towards their marginalization in different spheres of life, including education and employment. A key factor towards the low number of registrations is the lengthy process, which may span over a few months, requiring the applicant to visit different government departments to complete documentation and requirements.
NOWPDP is organizing SCNIC registration camps in which representatives of the relevant government departments are brought under the same roof, at an accessible location, where the entire registration process is completed within a couple of hours.
The identification and recognition of persons with disabilities (PWDs) through the issuance of SCNICs would not only help the individuals access their rights, but also allow the government to make adequate budgetary allocations for PWDs, which is essential for their welfare and socio-economic inclusion.
