Disability Rights Pakistan Project #70767

Self-Employment for Persons with Disabilities

by Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan

Project Report | Apr 30, 2026
Empowering Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

By Rida Zainab | Associate, Resource Mobilization

Sahiba, Retail business owner in Karachi

Dear supporters,

Across Pakistan, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in accessing income-generating opportunities, despite having the skills and determination to work. Through our Khudmukhtari initiative, we remain committed to enabling persons with disabilities to move toward financial independence through self-employment.

Over the past couple of months, we have facilitated the setup of 28 microenterprises led by persons with disabilities across Pakistan, collectively impacting over 140 lives. These businesses span a range of sectors, including stitching, transport, retail, and food, reflecting both the diverse skills of participants and the adaptability of self-employment pathways.

Each business is more than just a source of income. From women managing stitching setups at home to individuals using retrofitted loaders for transport and delivery, these efforts are helping people earn and support their households in both rural and urban areas. In many cases, one business supports an entire family. As these businesses continue to run and grow, they also show what persons with disabilities can achieve when given the right support.

Sahiba’s Story

After losing her business and financial independence, Sahiba was determined to rebuild her livelihood despite significant mobility and financial challenges. With no stable income, she began selling small items to get by. Through NOWPDP’s support, she received a safe tricycle to improve her mobility, along with financial assistance, supplier linkages, and basic business training to restart her work. Within just one week, Sahiba began earning a profit, retaining nearly 70% of her revenue. Her journey reflects how access to the right tools and support can enable persons with disabilities to regain independence and build sustainable livelihoods.

There are many more individuals who aspire to build livelihoods of their own but lack access to the necessary resources. Your continued support allows us to expand this impact; enabling more persons with disabilities to start and sustain their own businesses, and take control of their futures.

With gratitude,
Team NOWPDP

Sahiba, Retail business owner in Karachi

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Jan 2, 2026
Expanding Pathways to Self-Employment

By Rida Zainab | Associate, Resource Mobilization

Live Painting Stall

Dear Supporters,

Across Pakistan, persons with disabilities (PWDs) continue to face barriers in accessing income-generating opportunities, despite having strong skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential. Through NOWPDP’s Khudmukhtari initiative, which focuses on supporting the self-employment of PWDs, we continue working to connect individuals with opportunities that enable them to earn independently and build sustainable livelihoods.

As part of this initiative, we organized Apni Rah, Apna Safar, an event aimed at giving visibility and market access to entrepreneurs with disabilities. The event showcased 23 businesses including paintings, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and other handicrafts created by PWDs, allowing them to present and sell their work directly to the community. The event also featured a live Kathak dance performance by a self-taught dancer and performer with a physical disability.

Supporters and visitors engaged with the artisans, gaining a deeper understanding of their skills, journeys, and the potential of disability-led enterprises. Additionally, earnings from all sales went directly to the participating artisans.

“I am deaf and developed my handcrafting skills when I was young. Painting was my passion but complications with my hands made it difficult to continue. Instead of giving up, I discovered a new way to express my creativity. I started crafting jewelry using my palm. It’s a skill I taught myself. Today, I felt immense pride sharing my journey at the event and seeing visitors appreciate my work.” -R****, Jewelry maker and entrepreneur.

There are many more PWDs who aspire to start or grow their own businesses but lack access to resources, tools, and support. Your support will allow us to enable more individuals to set up income-generating enterprises, strengthen their skills, and move toward long-term financial independence. Together, we can support persons with disabilities to build businesses of their own and shape their futures on their own terms.

With gratitude,
Team NOWPDP

Kathak Dance Performance

Live Stitching Stall

Art Gallery displaying paintings made by PWDs

Handmade Jewellery Stall

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