Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directs public and private buildings to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has directed public and private institutions across the province to ensure safe, convenient and barrier-free access to buildings and essential services for persons with disabilities.

The directive was issued by the Department of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment, acting on instructions from the Advisor to the Chief Minister overseeing the department, according to officials.

Authorities said the measure is intended to improve accessibility standards so that people with disabilities are able to move through and use public spaces, offices and service facilities without unnecessary obstacles.

Accessibility requirements for public infrastructure remain an area of ongoing focus in Pakistan, where advocacy groups have long called for stronger enforcement of building codes and service standards that accommodate people with physical, sensory or other disabilities.

It was not immediately clear what specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties or compliance timelines would accompany the directive, or which categories of buildings would be prioritised for review.

Officials said the department would work with relevant institutions to implement the directive, though details on monitoring and follow-up procedures have not yet been made public.

Disability rights advocates in Pakistan have previously highlighted gaps between accessibility regulations on paper and their practical implementation, making the scope and enforcement of the new directive a point of interest for observers.