Advocate Shahbaz Shah Seeks IHC Directive For ECP To Ensure Braille Ballots Under 2020 Act

ISLAMABAD – A writ petition seeking enforcement of the rights of persons with disabilities under the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020 in ture letter and siprit, is currently pending before the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Earlier, Justice Ameen Minhas was hearing the matter on September 9, 2025, addresses several crucial issues concerning accessibility and inclusion.

Advocate Syed Shahbaz Shah, Islamabad Food Authority, IFA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Right to Inforamtion Act 2017, ICT Food Safety Act, 2021, Advocate High Court Syed Shahbaz Shah, Islamabad High Court, Editor — Adv Shahbaz Shah

Syed Shahbaz Shah Advocate High Court has filed the petition while seeking a range of remedies in order to ensure rights of persons with disabilities . The petiitoner has urged the court to consider his plea for accessible voting saying a primary request is for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to provide Braille ballot papers or other accessible voting mechanisms for blind and low-vision voters. The ECP has reportedly expressed reservations, citing the need for amendments to the Elections Act, 2017. However, the petitioner argues that the ICT Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020, already mandates the ECP to ensure accessibility. The petitioner also sought directives for the provision of free education, including higher education, health insurance, and effective access to employment for persons with disabilties.

Shahbaz Shah described employment quota saying another key demand is the strict implementation of the statutory disability employment quota in both public and private sectors, with the provision of reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. Besides, he was of the view that the Ministry of Human Rights has established the ICT Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Act. The matter is pending further directives from the court.