An important visit from British Learned Ismaili Scholars Dr Rashida Hunzai and Dr Faqeer Muhammad Hunzai took place at Goodwill Centre on 27th October 2023.

On the request of Mr Ghulam Muhammad Baig, both scholars visited the centre.

Their praise and appreciation for special tour and services in support of the well-being and development of disabled individuals warmed our hearts.

Their valuable message resonates deeply with our mission – they emphasized that disabled individuals are an essential part of our society. Inclusion and support for all members of our community are pivotal for progress and growth.

We remain committed to our vision of empowering and uplifting disabled individuals, creating a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.

Thank you for your unwavering support Dr Rasheeda and Dr Faqeer Muhammad!

Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement – GBGM had a productive meeting with DG SCO Major General Umar Shah. Thank you for your warm hospitality and valuable time. Together, we’re committed to making a positive impact for persons with disabilities in Gilgit Baltistan. #Inclusivity #collaboration

DG SCO and President Farhan Baig discussed the most engaging issues around persons with disabilities in Gilgit Baltistan including

1. Skills development
2. Education & Employement opporunities
3. Social issues around PWDs.

On the 15th of October, International White Cane Day, Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement conducted a webinar for People with Visual Impairments moderated by Mehwish Sarwar.

Joining us tonight are :

1. IsrarUddin Israr – Regional Coordinator at Human Rights Commssion of Pakistan
2. Farhan Baig, President Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement
3. Ghulam Muhammad Baig, CEO/Founder Gilgit Baltistan’s Goodwill Movement.
4. Mustafa Kamal – Senior Member, Gilgit Baltistan Goodwill Movement
5. Tahira Alam Khan – Parent of Fawad Alam Khan

Fawad Alam Khan, a young gentleman with visual impairments, plays the Rubab ( Dam Ham Dam Ali Ali – Fawad). Born in the region of Gilgit Baltistan, musicians like Fawad are ignored due to their disabilities. Goodwill Movement took earlier steps like these schemes teaching people like Fawad but classes had to be downsized as no secure funding due to a lack of funds. Earlier music lessons.

Rationale of cancelling it

As this is a disabled-led organization, we were confident that this would improve communication skills, as Weiss states; however, due to the economic situation, a tough decision had been made to postpone it, further delaying progress in this field.

As a community organization, we were thoroughly disappointed by our actions, but when there was no government support to ensure consistency, the tough decisions had to be made.

On the 10th of October, the Social Welfare Department of Gilgit Baltistan issued a job vacancy notice, which we received today. This notice should be condemned as it does not include the 3% quota bill for Persons with disabilities.

Content analysis

The job advertisement(s) include

• Data entry operator
• LDC
• Telephone Operator
• Naib Qasid
• Chowkidar
• Sweeper

But what remains a question is how the department defines a  ‘ physically fit ‘ person, which leaves out the characteristics of a disabled person, quite obviously. Despite our engagement with the Social Welfare Department at KIU in June this year, it leaves us questioning them again. KIU Event. This isn’t comforting disabled people as the Social Welfare Department is partly for our needs and our comfort.

It is rather foolish not to include the 3% quota for the Social Welfare Department.

We stand united in condemning the negligence of Special Education Department officials, whose lack of facilities in special education Chilas led to a tragic incident on the road to knowledge for a disabled student. It is deeply disheartening to witness the absence of basic human rights for disabled individuals, despite the readiness of the building for many years.
This incident raises a crucial question: if a person with a disability becomes a victim of another form of disability due to these circumstances, who will be held responsible? We demand accountability and immediate action to rectify this situation. Every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves equal access to education and a safe learning environment.
Let us come together as a community to ensure that the rights of disabled students are protected. It is our collective responsibility to advocate for education and facilities that empower every individual to thrive on their educational journey.

Yesterday, in front of millions of people who knowingly or unknowingly saw how a victim of domestic abuse  was pushed to  the ground by his family member ( who looked like his elder sibling), footage

Government response

Eventually, the man was arrested due to the power of social media and activist voices Amjad’s post.  But what sort of a people are we that the governing body has not yet commented on the issue publicly?  Nothing in the Urdu Print Media was printed, or be it that matter, the English Press apart from the Markhor Times, where the issue was first highlighted.

We shared this with a minister and high-end officials; the least we expected was their press statement.  Indeed, that would be the sane thing to do!  All I was expecting was a circular notification that said something along the lines of ‘ The Government of Gilgit Baltistan condemns this incident  and this preparator would get a lifetime imprisonment or something along these lines,  to the  extent that the government knowingly supports us (the disabled community)

Concluding Remarks

 We are disappointed with how the government just was hushed about this.  There’s a need to see more robust measures regarding persons with disabilities in Gilgit Baltistan.  Many such cases go unreported, even on social media.  There’s no excuse for not issuing a circular notification to at least show some unity with the disabled community in terms of protecting them against domesticated abuse or violence

Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring peaks of the Himalayas and Karakoram, Gilgit-Baltistan is often celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty: however, beneath the serene landscapes and picturesque vistas lies a harrowing reality that plagues the lives of many disabled individuals in the region – domestic abuse driven by wealth and property disputes.

This article aims to shed light on the grim experiences of disabled people in Gilgit-Baltistan who face domestic abuse due to property-related conflicts.

Understanding the Context

Domestic abuse is a grave issue that affects countless lives worldwide, irrespective of gender, age, or disability. In Gilgit-Baltistan, where issues related to land and property hold immense importance in the social fabric, disabled individuals often find themselves particularly vulnerable to abuse when these disputes arise. For instance, in the image, you see someone who has some form of disability. clearly being beaten up by an ableist.

Property as a Precursor to Abuse

Property and land disputes are common in the region due to various historical, cultural, and legal factors. In cases where a disabled individual holds a stake in such disputes, they are frequently targeted by family members seeking control over valuable assets. This leads to a disturbing cycle of abuse, with the disabled person subjected to physical, emotional, and psychological torment.

Economic Dependency

Many disabled individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan face economic dependency on their families due to limited employment opportunities and inadequate disability support systems. This economic vulnerability makes them easy prey in property-related conflicts. When disputes arise, family members may view the disabled individual as a hindrance to their financial gain and resort to abuse as a means of asserting control.

Forms of Abuse

The abuse faced by disabled individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan takes various forms, including:

• Physical Abuse: Disabled individuals may be physically assaulted, sometimes leading to severe injuries and long-lasting trauma.

Emotional Abuse: They often endure emotional torment, including constant belittlement, humiliation, and isolation from social activities.

Psychological Abuse: Disabled individuals may suffer from severe psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, as a result of the abuse they endure.

Financial Exploitation:

 Family members may mismanage or withhold financial resources that are essential for the disabled person’s well-being.

Forced Isolation:

 Disabled individuals may be forcibly isolated, further exacerbating their vulnerability and limiting their access to help and support. Disabled individuals may be forcibly isolated, further exacerbating their vulnerability and limiting their access to help and support.

What’s the way forward

1. Legal Reforms: Stricter laws and regulations must be implemented to protect the rights of disabled individuals, particularly in property disputes. Legal recourse should be accessible and efficient.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about the rights and vulnerabilities of disabled individuals is crucial. Community awareness programs can help change attitudes and promote empathy.
3. Support Services: Establishing support systems, including counseling and rehabilitation services, is essential for the physical and mental well-being of disabled victims of abuse.
4. Economic Empowerment: Creating opportunities for disabled individuals to gain financial independence can reduce their vulnerability in property disputes.
5. Community Involvement: Engaging community leaders and elders in resolving property conflicts peacefully and without resorting to abuse is vital.

Conclusion

The serene landscapes of Gilgit-Baltistan may hide the silent suffering of disabled individuals caught in the web of domestic abuse and property disputes. It is incumbent upon society, government, and local authorities to come together and ensure that these vulnerable individuals are protected and their rights are upheld. Only then can the region truly celebrate its natural beauty with a clear conscience, knowing that it does not come at the cost of human suffering

In our commitment to inclusivity, we celebrate the remarkable journey of two brothers from the same household who have overcome the challenges of not being able to speak.

Their inability to communicate verbally doesn’t define their abilities. These brothers possess talents and capabilities that are on par with anyone else in our diverse society.

Through dedicated training and unwavering support, we aim to break down barriers and integrate individuals with all types of disabilities into our community. Together, we can create a world where every person’s unique abilities are recognized and valued.