"Inclusion must move beyond dialogue into policy and practice."
The inclusive Rickshaw March 2026 at Lahore Fort brought disability rights into public focus through movement, symbolism, and collaborative action.
The march was organised by Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities alongside designer Hassan Shehryar Yassin.
It highlighted mobility, dignity, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities nationwide.
Set against the historic backdrop of Lahore Fort, the event transformed heritage space into a living conversation about access and opportunity.
Customised rickshaws travelled from the Picture Wall to the Royal Kitchen, turning policy discussion into a visible demonstration of inclusion.
The retrofitted vehicles were not presented merely as transport solutions but as tools enabling independence and livelihood creation.
For participants with disabilities, the march symbolised confidence, visibility, and the right to occupy public spaces without limitation.
Observers noted how inclusive mobility directly connects to employment, entrepreneurship, and sustained economic participation within society.
Following the march, a formal ceremony gathered ministers, corporate partners, development professionals, and social advocates under one platform.
The programme introduced attendees to NOWPDP’s work, milestones, and long-standing impact across education, employment, and accessibility initiatives.
A moving rendition of the national anthem by persons with disabilities set an emotional tone, grounding inclusion within shared national identity.
The venue then shifted into interactive engagement zones designed to translate empathy into understanding and action.
Visitors explored inclusive art installations, assistive technology displays, and disability simulations, including the Blind Walk experience.
Beneficiaries shared personal journeys, offering direct insight into everyday barriers alongside solutions driven by innovation and collaboration.
In his keynote address, the chief guest framed inclusion as a governance responsibility rather than a charitable consideration.
“Inclusion must move beyond dialogue into policy and practice.
“NOWPDP demonstrates how collaboration can remove systemic barriers and expand opportunity.”
He stressed that meaningful progress depends on alignment between public policy, employers, and education systems across sectors.
NOWPDP Chief Executive Officer Omair Ahmad expanded on the organisation’s long-term vision during his address.
“With over 17 years of advancing disability inclusion in Pakistan, NOWPDP continues to drive sustainable pathways that move persons with disabilities from the margins into the mainstream economy.”
He highlighted The Rickshaw Project, launched in 2012, as a cornerstone initiative supporting independent mobility and income generation.
The project, he explained, evolved from an access intervention into a scalable livelihood model.
As Global Brand Ambassador, HSY emphasised the cultural shift required for genuine inclusion beyond infrastructure and programmes.
“When persons with disabilities lead their own journeys, society moves forward with them.”
The ceremony concluded with awards and acknowledgements, celebrating cross-sector partnerships sustaining disability inclusion efforts.
Organisers noted that collaboration between civil society, government, and the private sector remains central to long-term impact.
The Rickshaw March 2026 ultimately demonstrated how inclusive design can reshape cities, economies, and collective mindsets together.
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