Amnah Aftab: Catalyst for Change - Empowering the Underprivileged and Differently-Abled in Pakistan

Amnah Aftab as a guest speaker at SSR/CS Program, September 30, 2022

In Pakistan's social landscape, there exists a resilient community that often grapples with societal barriers and systemic challenges—the disabled population. Battling a myriad of issues, from limited accessibility to societal stigmatization, these people struggle to live the quality of life they deserve. However, there is hope in the form of dedicated individuals and organizations striving to uplift and empower this marginalized group. 

Among these unsung heroes is a woman named Amnah Aftab, whose resolute commitment to the cause led to the establishment of a non-governmental organization (NGO), Hum Mashal-e-Rah, aimed at providing support, education, and opportunities for the disabled community. In the past year, we, along with Serenity Organisation, had the opportunity to interview this remarkable woman. This essay delves into the issues faced by persons with disabilities when it comes to their education and the efforts undertaken by Amnah Aftab and her NGO, shedding light on their transformative initiatives that not only aim to bridge the gaps in accessibility but also champion the rights and education of the disabled community in Pakistan.

The Start of a Driving Force for Change 

Hum Mashal-e-Rah was initiated in 2017 with a vision to build supportive and inclusive communities across Pakistan. The main goal is to promote, advocate, and protect the physical and intellectual rights of persons with special needs and to fully integrate within their communities, helping them reach their true potential. Since then,  the organization has worked tirelessly, partnering with government entities, to expand from its humble beginnings, carrying out multiple projects including the provision of vocational training centers and medical equipment for the disabled, therapy and support groups, and building an educational institute for children, to name a few. All of this is done via funding through the generosity of both international and local donors. 

The Inspiration 

Amnah Aftrab’s journey into this philanthropic endeavor was profoundly influenced by her personal life, as she is not just a visionary leader but also an extraordinary mother.

At home, Amnah nurtures and supports two differently-abled children, an experience that served as a powerful catalyst for her inspiring initiatives. When asked about the start of her journey she said, “All the negativity in the society around me is what pushed me to start this initiative.” 

Amnah Aftab is a mother to two wheelchair users who are also mentally challenged. During the interview, she mentioned how she aimed to give her children an optimistic outlook on life rather than drowning them in societal pressure. Positivity gives these children the power to take on the many challenges they bear in life. Amnah's role as a mother has not only shaped her journey but has also influenced her NGO's ethos, emphasizing the importance of instilling positivity and strength in the children her organization seeks to uplift. 

Mrs. Aftab's son and daughter at Arm Museum

The Lack of Accessibility - An Everlasting Challenge 

In Pakistan, the pervasive lack of accessibility poses formidable challenges for the disabled population, affecting various facets of their daily lives. Public spaces, including railway stations, metro buses, airports, and pharmacies, are devoid of ramps; this impacts not only mobility for wheelchair users but also for those with temporary disabilities and the elderly. The absence of tactile floors further compounds the difficulties for the blind, exacerbating their navigation challenges. 

Communication barriers add yet another challenge; the general public is unaccustomed to sign language, making it particularly challenging for the deaf community. When asked about challenges in terms of accessibility, Amnah Aftab shared a poignant story of a student who came to her crying, explaining how staff and doctors in a hospital he visited were unable to understand or help him as they did not know sign language. 

The repercussions extend to education, as Mrs. Aftab's children, despite her efforts and respectable background, encountered rejection from schools due to inadequate infrastructure and the absence of trained teachers. The lack of accessible washrooms forces many disabled individuals to abstain from eating or drinking when in public

Considering the millions of disabled people living in our country, the question arises; Do these individuals not need proper access to healthcare? Do they not deserve access to public spaces to entertain themselves? The lack of these facilities highlights a critical societal gap that needs immediate attention. 

Mashal-e-Rah is proactively addressing these issues in its capacity, collaborating with the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) to design wheelchair-accessible buses. They have also initiated another project, Mashal-e-Shifa, aiming to provide special needs disabilities with medical assistance devices free of cost. Their efforts reflect a commendable effort to bridge the accessibility gap and enhance the quality of life for the disabled community in Pakistan.

 The Absence of Proper Institutions

While many of us find it agonizing to go to school, differently-abled children all across Pakistan grapple with the distressing lack of educational opportunities. During the interview, Mrs. Aftab underscored the alarming absence of dedicated institutions for this demographic.

Shockingly, there are no educational institutions for disabled people above the age of fifteen at all, a stark revelation considering the nation's 76-year history.

Some individuals may be able to secure admission to universities given they aren’t mentally challenged or belong to an affluent family. Even those who manage to complete their education, however, encounter discrimination from employers, often leading to unemployment. 

The scale of the issue is staggering, with at least 13 million out of Pakistan's 150 million population grappling with some form of disability. A staggering influx of 8000 children annually entering the special education system in Lahore alone highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and increased accessibility in the education sector to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, receives a fair chance at learning and development. This critical gap prompted Mrs. Aftab to establish Maskan, a vocational institute created through collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, aiming to provide disabled individuals with a chance at a meaningful life.

Societal Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Individuals with Disabilities

The societal perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities in Pakistan reflect a distressing reality that often isolates and stigmatizes this vulnerable community. Parents of disabled children find themselves grappling with depression, exacerbated by the lack of understanding and support from society. The shame associated with special needs children leads many parents to withdraw from social interactions, as societal stigmatization hinders their participation in events like weddings or birthday parties. 

The lack of acceptance for both the children and their parents prompted Mashal-e-Rah to initiate a support group, providing a much-needed platform for motivation and solidarity among these families. Mrs. Aftab, the driving force behind Mashal-e-Rah, emphasizes that these children are not mistakes but unique individuals deserving of respect and inclusion. Despite such efforts, the societal mindset often resists normalization, with parents hesitating to have disabled children share classrooms with their non-disabled children. The belief that the disabled are useless and a financial burden further compounds the challenges faced by these individuals. Even in public spaces, as Mrs. Aftab mentioned, individuals with disabilities encounter rudeness from transport service providers for having to assist them in and out of the vehicle, reflecting a broad lack of empathy and understanding. Following cases of abandonment and mistreatment faced by some disabled children, Maskan was established to provide free-of-cost support and care for this neglected segment of society.

Words of Wisdom 

In conclusion, the urgency for societal change in perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities is undeniable. The stigmatization and isolation of special needs children and their families underline a need for compassion and understanding within the broader community. Amnah Aftab's tireless commitment to this cause, as evidenced by her numerous accolades and achievements, speaks volumes about her dedication to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. As she aptly states, "My work is my way of worship," emphasizing her connection with her work and passion. 

Pakistan belongs to these individuals as much as it does to everyone else. The lack of acceptance and proper facilities for special needs individuals is a denial of their rightful freedom and a reminder of our responsibility to extend kindness to those who are alone in the journey of life. Amnah Aftab's choice to dedicate herself to this cause, despite the option of settling in a more comfortable environment abroad, highlights the resilience and commitment required for societal transformation. As she stands for positive change, it is a call for all of us to recognize our blessings and work towards making Pakistan a place where everyone, regardless of ability, can find pride and identity. Amnah Aftab's initiative symbolizes a crucial step forward, urging us to embrace a more inclusive and compassionate society.

To show support for their initiatives, follow Hum Mashal-e-Rah on Instagram: @hum_mashalerah