Lahore – The Punjab Provincial Legislature enacted the Disability Empowerment Act 2021 to protect people with disabilities in the most populous region of the country.
This landmark law ensured the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities by making them effective members of the community.
The Disabled Persons Act guarantees protection for persons with disabilities, as anyone who mocks a disabled person faces at least two years’ imprisonment and a fine of one rack.
Last February, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the state government to implement a law to protect the basic rights of persons with disabilities.
A new law will allow people with disabilities to participate in elections. While discrimination against persons with disabilities on public transport is a punishable offense, special courts will be set up for their cases. Disabled parking is now free in public places as well.
The law covered admission to educational institutions as well as special medical facilities within hospitals.
Persons with disabilities (PWD) have full inheritance rights and are assigned a special quota in all state agencies for employment.
