The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is standardising Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) to establish it as a single national identity. A National Policy Dialogue on the nationwide adoption of PSL took place on 22 October at the National Institute of Special Education (NISE) in Islamabad.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Training and UNICEF Pakistan co-hosted the event. From 7 October to 25 October, the National Institute of Education hosted a third National Consultation Workshop.
Participants at the workshop focused on capturing high-definition photography and videography for 1,500 standardised signs. Over the past year, a National Task Force reviewed and developed these 1,500 signs.
The forum adopted a Joint Declaration naming NISE as the core federal institute for Pakistan Sign Language. The National Task Force is now mandated to complete the definitive 1,500-sign compendium as Volume-I.
NISE has operated since 1991. Qamar described the standardisation of PSL as a historic milestone for equity, dignity and equal citizenship.
The Minister of State for Federal Education and Training stated that inclusivity is a constitutional promise, not charity. Qamar added that Pakistan has obligations under Articles 21 and 24 of UNCRPD to promote sign languages.
