Speakers stresses action on healthcare, pensions, accessibility, and community support.
Islamabad :- Foundation for Aging and Inclusive Development (FAID), together with the Older People Rights Network (OPRN), hosted its Bi-Annual Advocacy Event on “Voices for Change: Community-Led Advocacy for Older People’s Rights” in Islamabad.
The event brought together senior citizens, civil society, government officials, and community representatives to highlight the urgent need for inclusive policies and practical measures to safeguard the rights of older persons in Pakistan.
Key Highlights.
Policy Gaps and Implementation: Speakers emphasized that while Pakistan has progressive legislation like the ICT Senior Citizens Act 2021, weak implementation continues to hinder meaningful impact.
Community Perspectives: Older persons from marginalized groups—including women, persons with disabilities, minorities, and the transgender community—shared lived experiences that underscored the importance of recognition, respect, and social support.
Role of Advocacy: Panelists and speakers agreed that advocacy must remain a collective effort, combining policy-level engagement with grassroots initiatives to shift public attitudes and strengthen family and community support systems.
Government Commitment: Rana Tariq Ali, Deputy Director, Ministry of Human Rights, reaffirmed the government’s commitment through initiatives such as the Senior Citizen Fund, ICT Disability Fund, and Transgender Protection Center, while stressing that societal change must complement government action.
Event Speakers included: Saima Qadeer – Moderator and Host
•Sajjad Hussain – Program, Coordinator, FAID, Maqsooda Solangi – Aurat Foundation (OPRN), Tahir Hasnain – Legal Rights Forum (OPRN)
Panelists: Jahangir Mughal (OPA), Sidra Tahseen (Women’s Rights), Sarfaraz Khan (Minority Rights),. Ibrar Hussain (Disability Rights), Saba Gull (Transgender Rights)
The dialogue reaffirmed that Pakistan must prepare for its shifting demographics, with the elderly population expected to rise dramatically by 2050. Speakers called for urgent action on healthcare, pensions, accessibility, and stronger family and community-based support systems.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
