Islamabad,: In recognition of September as the global month of Deaf Rights Activism, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT), in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, successfully concluded the National Consultation on the Standardization of Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) at Islamabad Hotel. The landmark consultation brought together government representatives, leaders of the Deaf community, academia, civil society, and international partners to deliberate on a unified PSL framework as a cornerstone of Deaf identity, inclusion, and rights in Pakistan.
The day began on a powerful note with the National Anthem performed in Pakistan Sign Language by students of the National Special Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children, followed by a digital recitation of the Holy Quran and a Naat in PSL. Capt. (Retd.) Asif Iqbal Asif, Director General of Special Education, welcomed participants, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue. Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Secretary of MoFE&PT, officially inaugurated the consultation as Chief Guest, highlighting the Ministry’s vision for inclusive education. In the opening session, Ms. Sharmeela Rasool, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Pakistan, commended the shared commitment of partners, while Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, Rector NUML, provided a thoughtful context-setting address. The keynote was delivered by Ms. Afke Bootsman, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, who deliberated on how they have incorporated UN Disability Inclusion Strategy throughout the initiatives. The inauguration was complemented by a moving statement on sign language rights from Mr. Irfan Mumtaz, CEO of the Pakistan Association of the Deaf.
Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, graced the event as Guest of Honour. She applauded the collaborative efforts of the federal and provincial governments, Deaf leadership, and development partners in advancing the cause of PSL standardization, describing it as a milestone for inclusive Pakistan.
The consultation culminated with the Closing Address of Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, who joined as Chief Guest. He underscored the Government’s strong political will to recognize Pakistan Sign Language as a complete and natural language. Addressing the media later, Dr. Siddiqui reaffirmed that PSL standardization is central to advancing inclusive education, social participation, and Pakistan’s obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Throughout the day, panel discussions, group work, and collaborative exercises enabled participants to identify barriers, propose solutions, and recommend the formation of a National Task Force on PSL Standardization. The recommendations will inform a strategic roadmap for curriculum development, interpreter training and certification, and the creation of digital resources aligning with both national priorities and international disability inclusion commitments.
Adding colour and inspiration to the event, participants and guests also visited exhibition stalls by children with disabilities enrolled in DGSE centres. The creativity and skill reflected in Deaf art, handmade jewelry, handicrafts, lekar, and woodwork amazed and inspired visitors, showcasing the immense potential of children with diverse abilities.
This milestone consultation stands as a testament to the Ministry’s resolve and UNICEF’s collaboration to make Pakistan Sign Language a recognized, standardized, and empowering language of inclusion. It reaffirms the principle that there can be no human rights without sign language rights.
