Breaking Barriers: Sana Khurshid's Crusade for Inclusivity

Image Credit: Fuchsia Magazine

Pakistan's disabled population faces a plethora of impediments, ranging from limited access to education and healthcare to societal prejudices that perpetuate marginalization. The absence of inclusive infrastructure further exacerbates these difficulties, hindering the disabled from realizing their full potential. Amidst these challenges, the work of individuals who champion the cause of inclusivity becomes a cause for hope.

Sana Khurshid, a dedicated advocate for the rights and well-being of the disabled, has become a prominent figure for change in Pakistan's social landscape. Through her commitment and tireless efforts, Ms. Khurshid aims to not only dismantle barriers but to redefine societal perceptions surrounding disability. Her initiatives not only aim to address immediate concerns but also seek to cultivate an environment that fosters inclusivity in the long run, recognizing the potential within the disabled population.

A Tragic Accident

Sana Khurshid does not merely sympathize with the disabled population of Pakistan but, being a quadriplegic wheelchair user herself feels their struggles and hardships at a personal level. As a teenager in her first year of medical college, Sana Khurshid was met with a horrific car accident whilst traveling on the motorway, leaving her with a cervical spine injury. The unfortunate event left her paralyzed from the neck downward, rendering her limbs useless. When asked about the accident during our interview, Khurshid claimed,

“I had given up. I refused to accept the new person I’d become, paralyzed and bedridden.”

Sadly, Sana Khurshid was also forced to give up a potential career in the medical industry due to her newfound disability which left her bedridden for years and left her unable to attend college. 

Throughout the harrowing reality that Sana Khurshid experienced at such a tender age, her family and friends offered great support. During her interview, Khurshid repeatedly mentioned how blessed she was to have a supportive environment: “To my family, I was the same Sana before or after the accident,” she said.

However, that's not to say the accident did not have a significant toll on her mental health. When asked if the attitude of people around her had changed at all, she said, “The people around me, their attitudes didn't change but mine sort of did. They (her friends) were out there living their lives while I was ill and bedridden, not knowing if I’d survive the next day.” 

Struggles & Recovery - The Birth of a Fighting Spirit 

During her interview, Sana Khurshid opened up about the profound impact her paralysis had on her confidence, and how she initially felt reluctant to leave the house. Battling constant illness and grappling with self-consciousness, Khurshid found solace only within the confines of her home. Her family, realizing the need for Sana to reclaim ‘normalcy’, finally encouraged her to go out and enjoy herself. However, her first visit to a restaurant after her accident left her with memories she wasn’t particularly fond of. To her dismay, there were no ramps to facilitate her hefty wheelchair, forcing the compassionate staff to lift her up the steps. The experience only lowered her self-esteem. “I felt so embarrassed and conscious. I felt like everyone’s eyes were on me. The Urdu word ‘tamasha’ is the best way to describe how it felt,” Khurshid claimed. Consequently, she avoided venturing out to public spaces for a long time as she knew there were no facilities for her.

“I wanted to be invisible at the time,” she said. 

As time went on, Sana Khurshid began to embrace her new self, developing a resilient spirit and shedding the desire to be invisible. Now a vocal advocate for accessibility, she has turned her personal struggle into a collective fight, challenging societal expectations and championing the visibility of people with disabilities. As she aptly puts it,

"When you take up a challenge, it brings out your fighting spirit,"

asserting that individuals with disabilities refuse to fade into invisibility any longer.

Unfortunately, however, this anecdote is just one of many. Millions of disabled people across Pakistan have similarly harrowing experiences, forcing these individuals to step out of the spotlight and spend their whole lives invisible and confined by the heavy chains of helplessness. This begs the question; how many more Sana Khurshids will need to speak out before change is finally brought about? 

Invisibility -  A Lack of Empathy

Sana Khurshid's journey has been marked by the unsettling reality of society's attitude towards individuals with disabilities. During her interview, she mentioned how strangers would approach her in public and ask her family disturbing and intrusive questions regarding her disability. Ms. Khurshid expressed her frustration at the lack of direct communication, saying, “If you want to say something, at least have the guts to say it to my face!” In public, Ms. Khurshid felt she was constantly surrounded by hushed whispers, judgmental looks, and sidelong glances.   

One incident that exemplifies Sana Khurshid’s struggles occurred at a well-known restaurant she visited once. She had previously requested the restaurant to build ramps, but they had failed to do so. When she posted about this on a Facebook group, she was met with an overwhelming flood of negative comments criticizing her for wanting to dine out due to her inability to walk. Some went as far as to suggest she should eat in her car instead. To this, Ms. Khurshid raised the question: “Do people not realize that anything can happen to anyone at any time?” Another distressing encounter occurred at the airport, where a man treated Ms. Khurshid and her sister very rudely for receiving priority as a wheelchair user. These incidents have left their mark on Sana Khurshid, further fueling her passion for her work. 

On a positive note, people are starting to realize that they cannot block out a segment of society just because they are different. However, there is still a widespread lack of empathy and sensitivity in our society. The differently-abled population of Pakistan continues to suffer at the hands of ruthless comments and judgemental glances. When will people realize that differently-abled people are their own person? When will the desensitization give way to empathy and understanding? 

Making Progress 

Sana Khurshid’s journey towards an accessible Pakistan started small. She simply requested any public areas she visited to invest in accessible infrastructure if they hadn’t already. Soon, she began to collaborate with a civil advocacy firm, sending letters to authorities to help implement these measures, but to no avail. Frustrated with the lack of progress and reform, Sana Khurshid filed a petition in the High Court which requested already existing laws to be implemented. Despite two long years of grueling court visits, the petition was eventually disposed of. Determined than ever, Sana Khurshid and her team filed a fresh petition requesting not just a ramp and accessible toilets, but all sorts of accessible facilities for people on all spectrums of disability. This time, their plea for inclusive rights was met with a positive response. Sana Khurshid got the opportunity to work with the Lahore Development Authority DHA, influencing the incorporation of accessibility clauses into their building codes. 

From then on, more doors opened for Ms. Khurshid.

In collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, she helped formulate a law for people with disabilities that would deal with every kind of issue faced by the disabled, including education, healthcare, and employment. 

The resultant legislation, titled "The Punjab Empowerment of Persons with Different Abilities Act, 2021," has been successfully passed, ushering in a new era of dignity and freedom for the disabled community. Khurshid's unwavering determination and collaborative efforts have not only transformed her personal journey but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and accessible society, embodying the principle that every individual deserves a life of dignity.

Conclusion 

Throughout Sana Khurshid's journey, her resilience emerges as a guiding light, transforming personal struggles into societal change. From advocating for accessible infrastructure to the triumphant victory of the "Punjab Empowerment of Persons with Different Abilities Act, 2021," Khurshid's story embodies the indomitable spirit fighting for dignity and freedom. Beyond legal victories, her journey is a reminder that inclusivity is a personal quest for every individual's right to a life unbound by societal limitations. As we conclude, let Khurshid's narrative inspire a collective commitment to a more accessible and inclusive future, where everyone is recognized, embraced, and uplifted.