Page 3 - HEC - POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT

POLICY FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN PAKISTAN

1. PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY

1.1. The Higher Education Commission (“HEC”) is committed to the objective that no one should be
denied access to higher education in Pakistan, which includes ensuring that people with
disabilities have equal opportunities to access and attain higher education.

1.2. This policy for students with disabilities at Higher Education Institutions (“HEIs”) aims to create
an enabling environment for inclusive education in colleges and universities and facilitate the
participation of students with disabilities in all academic and extra-curricular aspects of college
and university education.

1.3. The policy recognizes that disability covers a wide range of impairments and different
disabilities can have varying impacts on study, work, and other aspects of life, warranting
special considerations by HEIs.

1.4. This policy affirms that persons with disabilities are valuable members of society and the HEC
and all HEIs have an obligation to undertake all reasonable actions to enable persons with
disabilities to avail the opportunities for higher education available to other students. Through
this policy, the HEC endeavors to eliminate regulatory, physical, organizational, academic and
social obstacles at HEIs that might hamper the academic and career pursuits of persons with
disabilities and provide people with disabilities with equal educational opportunities,
recognition of their inherent dignity, and protection of their rights.

1.5. This policy has been made pursuant to the powers granted to the HEC under the Higher
Education Commission Ordinance, 2002, and is binding on all HEIs in the country, whether
operating in the public or private sectors, in accordance with the prescribed phased execution
plan.

1.6. This policy complements relevant national and provincial legislation for persons with
disabilities. HEIs are advised to strictly follow the provisions of applicable law and the comply
with the regulatory framework prescribed under the legislation and through this policy.

1.7. Pakistan is a partner in the global movement for the socio-economic well-being of persons with
disabilities having signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and adopted the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 agenda. This policy is also
intended to further advance the objectives of these international commitments. Sustainable
Development Goal 10, Reduce inequality within and among countries, includes empowerment
and promotion of social, economic and political inclusion of all irrespective of age, sex,
disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
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