KARACHI –
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, underlined that Karachi plays a central role in driving Pakistan’s progress during a conference titled “The Role of Professional Social Workers for Persons with Disabilities” held at the University of Karachi on Monday.
Dr Siddiqui emphasized that while feudal lords represent farmers and capitalists represent workers, Karachi empowers the ordinary citizen to have a voice in power structures. He announced that more federal universities will be established in the city, stating that three have already been launched. He also applauded the inauguration of the first university in Hyderabad in 77 years.
“The greatest disability is accepting slavery, dishonesty, greed, and corruption,” he said, addressing the audience. He congratulated the entire nation on the month of independence and reminded the public of the sacrifices that led to the creation of Pakistan.
University of Karachi Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, highlighted the barriers faced by persons with disabilities — including weak infrastructure, negative public attitudes, and lack of effective policy. He announced full tuition waivers and expanded academic, physical, and psychological support for students with disabilities. “There can be no social progress without giving all citizens their due place,” he stated.
Former Member of National Assembly, Kishwar Zehra, encouraged students to champion disability legislation by advocating for new laws in Parliament. “Serving humanity is a way to earn God’s approval,” she said. Dr Samina Saeed, Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, added that disability is a different way of life, not a weakness. “It is not sympathy, but recognition, that is necessary.”
Dr Muhammad Nadeemullah, Chairperson of the Social Work Department, concluded the event by emphasizing the need for professional social workers to develop inclusive solutions. “Their role must go beyond individual support — working with institutions and communities to create long-term, sustainable change.”
“Karachi drives Pakistan. This is a big market. When Karachi moves, the whole country moves,” Dr Siddiqui said during his address at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium. He described the University of Karachi as the “social and intellectual focal point” of the city.
Reflecting on the city’s past, Dr Siddiqui recalled that Karachi was ranked among the world’s top 10 emerging cities in 2008. “It is now heartbreaking that the United Nations has to step in to help make Karachi livable again,” he remarked.
