Empowering Disability Inclusion in Pakistan

About EnablePK

ENABLE is a British Council-funded international partnership project working to improve disability inclusion across Pakistani universities. Led by the University of the Built Environment (UK) in collaboration with partners in Pakistan and the UK, the project focuses on breaking down physical, social, and psychological barriers faced by disabled students.

In Pakistan, access to education for students with disabilities remains severely limited and continues to be a critical area of concern. The 2017 national census reported that only 0.48% of the population has a disability, a figure that has been widely criticised for underreporting due to stigma, poor survey methodology, and restrictive definitions of disability (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2017). By contrast, estimates from international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) suggest that approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability, which would equate to around 31 million individuals in Pakistan (WHO, 2011). Similarly, the UNDP has previously estimated the national prevalence of disability at approximately 6.2%, and some independent reports suggest even higher figures (UNDP Pakistan, 2020).

Educational statistics for this marginalised group highlight significant disparities. Only about 31% of persons with disabilities in Pakistan have ever attended school, compared to their non-disabled peers (UNICEF, 2021). The disability parity index for school attendance stands at 0.67, while the literacy parity index is even lower at 0.59, indicating a stark disadvantage in educational attainment for disabled individuals (UNICEF, 2021). Gender exacerbates these inequalities, with school attendance among girls with disabilities significantly lower than boys. The gender-based literacy parity index for girls with disabilities drops to just 0.45, compared to boys (UNESCO, 2020).

Out-of-school rates remain alarmingly high for disabled children. Among children aged 6 to 11 years, 67.6% of boys and 71.5% of girls with disabilities are not enrolled in school, figures more than double those for children without disabilities (UNICEF, 2019). The trend continues through adolescence, where over two-thirds of children aged 12 to 14 with disabilities remain out of school. In some regions, studies have reported that up to 96% of children with disabilities are completely excluded from any form of education (Human Rights Watch, 2018). Furthermore, fewer than 5% of school-aged children with disabilities are enrolled in special education institutions, leaving the vast majority without access to formal schooling (Sightsavers Pakistan, 2022).

Infrastructure for inclusive education is also inadequate. Only about 20% of schools in Pakistan report having any facilities or programs for students with disabilities (Government of Pakistan, 2018). Essential components such as wheelchair access, accessible toilets, inclusive teaching materials, and trained educators are largely absent, especially in rural and underfunded areas. While policy frameworks like the National Education Policy (2017) and the National Plan of Action for Persons with Disabilities (2006) express commitments to inclusive education, their implementation has been sporadic and largely ineffective (Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, 2017).

In conclusion, children and young people with disabilities in Pakistan face widespread exclusion from education due to systemic neglect, underinvestment, and weak policy enforcement. Without substantial reforms, both at policy and implementation levels, millions of disabled students will continue to be denied their right to education and the opportunity to participate fully in society.

Over 12 months, ENABLE will deliver training to raise awareness, launch peer support and mental health initiatives, and conduct a national needs assessment to guide inclusive policy change. By empowering students, training educators, and influencing institutions, ENABLE aims to create lasting, systemic improvements in accessibility, equity, and student wellbeing.

Together, we’re building barrier-free campuses where all students can thrive.

Empowering Inclusion Together

We champion disability inclusion through collaborative projects, inclusive workshops, and impactful research working towards a higher education system where everyone belonough projects, workshops, and publications for a better society.

Our Projects

Explore our initiatives focused on enhancing disability inclusion in Pakistan and beyond.

Team Members

Meet our dedicated team working tirelessly to promote disability rights and inclusion.

Join our workshops to learn about disability inclusion and share valuable insights with others.

Workshops

Why It Matters

Inclusion is not a favour, it's a right. Through ENABLE, we are reimagining what higher education can look like when every student has the tools, support, and respect they need to succeed. This project is a step toward a future where campuses are not just physically accessible but socially and emotionally empowering for all.

Get Involved

Whether you're a student, educator, policymaker, or advocate, there’s a role for you in building inclusive education.
Join our workshops
Collaborate with us
Help amplify our findings
Contact us to learn how you can contribute to this mission.

Explore Our Resources

We’ll be sharing training materials, needs assessment reports, and policy recommendations throughout the project. Visit our PUBLICATIONS to stay updated and access tools you can use to drive change at your institution.