The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, working with UNICEF Pakistan, concluded a national consultation on the standardization of Pakistan Sign Language at the Islamabad Hotel on September 30, 2025, aligning with the global month of Deaf Rights Activism. The event set out to chart a clear path for Pakistan Sign Language as a foundation for Deaf identity, inclusion and rights across the country.
The day opened with a moving rendition of the National Anthem in Pakistan Sign Language by students of the National Special Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children, followed by a digital recitation of the Holy Quran and a Naat presented in PSL. Capt. (Retd.) Asif Iqbal Asif, Director General of Special Education, welcomed attendees and Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, Federal Secretary of MoFE&PT, inaugurated the consultation as Chief Guest.
Speakers highlighted partnerships and policy commitments throughout the opening session. Ms. Sharmeela Rasool, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Pakistan, praised joint efforts, while Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Shahid Mahmood Kayani, Rector NUML, provided context for the discussion. The keynote address by Ms. Afke Bootsman of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office referenced the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, and Mr. Irfan Mumtaz, CEO of the Pakistan Association of the Deaf, delivered a moving statement on sign language rights.
Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, joined as Guest of Honour and applauded federal and provincial collaboration alongside Deaf leadership and development partners. The consultation concluded with a closing address by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, who emphasized the government’s strong political will to recognize Pakistan Sign Language as a complete and natural language and stressed that PSL standardization is central to inclusive education, social participation and Pakistan’s commitments under the SDGs, CRC and CRPD.
Throughout the consultation, panel discussions, group work and collaborative exercises identified barriers and proposed practical solutions, including a recommended National Task Force on PSL Standardization. Participants agreed that these recommendations should guide a strategic roadmap for curriculum development, interpreter training and certification, and the creation of accessible digital resources that align national priorities with international disability inclusion commitments.
Visitors also toured exhibition stalls run by children with disabilities enrolled in DGSE centres, where Deaf art, handmade jewelry, handicrafts, lekar and woodwork showcased remarkable skill and creativity. The displays underscored the importance of recognizing Pakistan Sign Language as an enabling tool for education and economic participation for children with diverse abilities.
The consultation marks a key step in the national effort to standardize Pakistan Sign Language, reflecting the Ministry’s resolve and UNICEF’s collaboration to make PSL a recognized, standardized and empowering language of inclusion across Pakistan. The outcome reinforces the principle that there can be no human rights without sign language rights.
