KARACHI: January 29, 2025: PODA and WaterAid Pakistan convened a pre-consultation meeting at the Pakistan Independent Living Center (PILC) here in Karachi, attended by 30 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The session focused on enhancing gender-responsive, inclusive, and climate-resilient WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) frameworks while promoting women’s leadership in the sector.

Key discussions revolved around the inclusivity of the Sindh Climate Change Policy 2022 and related WASH policies. The participants highlighted “Policy Provisions” such as recognition of PWDs as a vulnerable group, the need for climate-resilient water infrastructure (Section 4.2), and improved sanitation to reduce water-borne diseases (Section 4.3). While highlighting challenges like absence of specific guidelines for inclusive WASH facilities, lack of clear accessibility standards, and insufficient resources for capacity building they recommended developing detailed guidelines, establishing clear accessibility standards, and providing resources and training for local governments.

The discussions linked to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) — universal access to water and sanitation services, Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) — equal access to basic services, and Climate Action (SDG 13) — climate-resilient infrastructure development.

Ms. Raheema from WaterAid emphasized ongoing collaborative efforts with PODA to influence policy development, advocating for stronger frameworks to meet the needs of PWDs and align with global SDG targets.