Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has invited applications from its disabled students for the Prime Minister's Electric Wheelchairs for tis upcoming semester, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

AIOU has sought applications from the student who got admission in fall semester 2021 and spring semester 2022. The university said that all those eligible must submit application by July 18th.

As per Higher Education Commission (HEC), supporting youth and promoting Higher Education, the scheme was launched November 2021 for distributing Motorized/Electric Wheelchairs to disabled students studying in public sector universities of Pakistan with the objective to facilitate them in their movements in order to complete their higher education, and enable them to contribute effectively towards the progress of the country.

This scheme is aligned with the United Nation's Standard Development Goals (SDGs) projecting, 'By 2030 eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable persons with disabilities, indigenous people and children in vulnerable situations'. 

Pakistan has signed a treaty on September 15, 2008 in the United Nations Convention on "Rights of Persons with Disabilities", and ratified on July 5, 2011. 

As per data of Census 1998, there were 622,025 disabled (crippled) persons in Pakistan. 

Out of these 21,925 were enrolled in different public and private sector schools, colleges and universities in Pakistan.

Reporter Kifayat Ali Shah