ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has urged the federal and provincial governments to develop respectful words aimed at replacing derogatory ones currently being used for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in official communication and documentation.
In a letters addressed to the prime minister and chief ministers of the four provinces the CPDI Executive Director Mukhtar Ahmad Ali highlighted the urgency of the issue, stating, “the language we use shapes our perceptions and attitudes. Using derogatory terms for persons with disabilities not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also marginalises a significant segment of our population. It is imperative that we adopt language that respects their dignity and humanity.”
The letter underscores several problematic terms and phrases which are used by officials and politicians in official communications, in political rallies and in TV talk shows such as Andhay (Blind) term, used to describe individuals with visual impairments, equates disability with ignorance and stupidity, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
“Another word Behray aur Gungay (deaf and dumb) is used to refer to individuals with speech and hearing impairments, are disrespectful and perpetuate harmful biases.
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