Islamabad – Students of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) participated in a three-day national conference marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, held at the National Skills University Islamabad and Serena Hotel. The event was organized by the Pakistan Disabled Foundation and gathered policymakers, researchers, educationists and disability-rights advocates from across the country.
The IIUI delegation attended the conference under the supervision of Director Students Affairs Dr. Ghufran Ahmed and the Focal Person Muhammad Shakir. Their participation reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting accessibility, inclusive education and empowerment of students with disabilities.
During various sessions, Director Students Affairs Dr. Ghufran Ahmed engaged with participants and commended the constructive role of students with disabilities in university activities. He noted their active participation in campus elections and highlighted their increasing involvement in academic and co-curricular initiatives, which contributes to fostering equal representation and inclusive student leadership.
Following his remarks, Dr. Ghufran invited IIUI’s Focal Person Muhammad Shakir to present key concerns and recommendations on behalf of students with disabilities. Muhammad Shakir’s address received wide appreciation and underscored IIUI’s efforts toward disability inclusion. He emphasized the importance of improved assistive technologies, accessible classrooms, availability of Braille materials and a transparent, inclusive quota system in student support schemes.
The conference featured seven technical and policy sessions covering educational needs, employment challenges, institutional responsibilities, assistive technologies, volunteer engagement, rights and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Participants from IIUI attended all major sessions, including keynote addresses and policy dialogues.
Experts from HEC, NADRA, State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Railways and leading welfare organizations shared recommendations for strengthening accessibility frameworks across institutions. The event also included distribution of white canes and essential aids to participants.
The proactive engagement of IIUI students under the guidance of Director Students Affairs Dr. Ghufran Ahmed and Focal Person Muhammad Shakir reflected the University’s continued commitment to representation, inclusion and support for students with disabilities.