The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training took action to establish Pakistan Sign Language as a single national identity to support inclusive education.
The Ministry partnered with UNICEF Pakistan to hold a National Policy Dialogue on the Standardization and Nationwide Adoption of PSL at the National Institute of Special Education on Wednesday.
During the event, attendees focused on the Third National Consultation Workshop at NISE, which is a 21-day session running from October 7 to 25. This workshop captures high-definition photography and videography for 1,500 standardized signs created and reviewed by the National Task Force over the past year.
Participants unanimously approved a Joint Declaration making NISE the central federal institute for Pakistan Sign Language. It also requires the National Task Force to complete the definitive 1,500-sign compendium as Volume I following the Deaf-led principle.
The Ministry praised the united commitment of all federating units, UNICEF, and Deaf leadership.
Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar stated during the event that the true importance rests in the voices and linguistic rights of the country's Deaf community, calling the standardization a historic milestone for equity, dignity, and equal citizenship.
She explained that inclusivity is a constitutional guarantee rather than charity, referencing the nation's duties under Articles 21 and 24 of the UNCRPD to promote sign languages. She also commended the contributions of NISE since 1991 and the collaboration with UNICEF.
