Inclusive Rickshaw March at Lahore Fort Highlights Disability Empowerment

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
An inclusive Rickshaw March organized by NOWPDP (Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities), in collaboration with fashion designer Hassan Shehryar Yasin (HSY), brought attention to accessible mobility and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Pakistan.
The event, held at the historic Lahore Fort, featured customized and retrofitted rickshaws traveling from the landmark’s Picture Wall to the Royal Kitchen, symbolically translating policy dialogue on disability inclusion into visible public action.
Organizers said the specially designed vehicles are not only improving accessible transportation but are also creating entrepreneurship and income-generation opportunities for persons with disabilities, enabling greater independence and confidence in navigating public spaces.
A formal ceremony followed the march, attended by provincial ministers, representatives from the development sector, corporate partners and social advocates. Participants were introduced to NOWPDP’s mission, achievements and measurable impact over the past 17 years. The ceremony featured a rendition of Pakistan’s national anthem performed by persons with disabilities.
The historic venue was transformed into an interactive awareness platform, with inclusive art installations, disability simulation experiences such as the “Blind Walk,” assistive technology demonstrations, and testimonials from program beneficiaries. The engagement zones offered attendees first-hand insight into both the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and the solutions being implemented to promote inclusion.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Bhatti, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Punjab on Education, stressed the need to institutionalize inclusion.
“Inclusion must move beyond dialogue into policy and practice. NOWPDP demonstrates how collaboration can remove systemic barriers and expand opportunity,” he said, adding that sustainable impact requires alignment between public policy, employers and education systems.
Omair Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of NOWPDP, highlighted the long-term vision of the initiative. He noted that The Rickshaw Project (TRP), launched in 2012, began as an accessibility intervention but has evolved into a scalable livelihood model rooted in dignity and entrepreneurship.
HSY, who serves as Global Brand Ambassador for NOWPDP, underscored the broader societal shift needed to ensure meaningful inclusion.
“When persons with disabilities lead their own journeys, society moves forward with them,” he said.
The event concluded with an award distribution ceremony and recognition of cross-sector partners supporting the initiative.
Organizers described the Rickshaw March 2026 as both a celebration of progress and a renewed commitment to scaling inclusive livelihoods and embedding accessibility into Pakistan’s long-term economic development agenda.