The National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) Pakistan is a leading non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Pakistan. Established with a mission to foster an inclusive society, NDF Pakistan is partner organization of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) & SWEEP Government of Sindh, NDF Pakistan has played a pivotal role in rehabilitation, education, advocacy, and social protection for marginalized communities, particularly those with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Vision & Mission
NDF envisions a society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, and opportunities to thrive. Its mission is to:
- Provide rehabilitation services for children and adults with disabilities.
- Promote disability-inclusive policies through advocacy and awareness.
- Foster social and economic empowerment by equipping PWDs with skills and education.
- Engage communities in disability rights and awareness initiatives.
Key Achievements & Initiatives
Rehabilitation Centers: NDF operates four fully-equipped rehabilitation centers in Sindh—Nawabshah, Larkana, Gulistan-e-Johar (Karachi), and Gulshan-e-Hadeed (Karachi)—serving over 400 children with disabilities. These centers provide:
- Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, and remedial therapy.
- Free pick-and-drop services for children from underserved communities.
Disability Rights Advocacy: NDF actively lobbies for policy changes and works with national and international partners to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Pakistan.
Youth & Disability Engagement: In collaboration with the Sindh Youth Affairs and Sports Department, NDF launched programs aimed at integrating youth with disabilities into mainstream education, employment, and sports.
Women & Disability Empowerment: Recognizing the double marginalization of women with disabilities, NDF has initiated projects promoting economic self-sufficiency, leadership, and protection from gender-based violence.
Emergency Response & Humanitarian Inclusion: NDF has been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts, ensuring PWDs are not left behind in humanitarian responses, particularly during floods and COVID-19.
Leadership & Partnerships
- Abid Lashari, President of NDF Pakistan, is a prominent disability rights activist and policy advocate, driving the organization’s mission forward.
- Saira Lashari, Director of the NDF Rehabilitation Center, has played a crucial role in establishing inclusive rehabilitation services.
- Collaborations: NDF works with DEPD, SWEEP Government of Sindh, UN agencies, INGOs, and local NGOs, including the Pakistan Down Syndrome Association (PDSA), UNICEF, UNDP, and the Sindh Government.
NDF Pakistan remains a beacon of hope for the disability community, continuously striving for a more inclusive and accessible society. With its expanding network, innovative programs, and relentless advocacy, NDF is shaping a future where disability rights are recognized as human rights in Pakistan.
