Disabilities Among Adult Men and Women in Pakistan

This blog aims to investigate the percentage of de facto female and male household members aged 15 and up who have difficulty functioning in one or more than one domain based on their background characteristics. The data for this article was obtained by Open Data Pakistan from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) 2019.

The figures below show that, regardless of the type of disability, a greater proportion of adult men and women have reported having no formal education. Moreover, fewer adult men and women with disabilities have reported completing secondary or higher education. It is important to understand why so few individuals with disabilities report completing these levels of education and why a higher percentage report never attending school. Educationists must explore whether this is due to (i) Pakistan allocating fewer resources to accommodate students with disabilities, particularly in secondary and higher education institutions, (ii) individuals with disabilities choosing not to enroll, possibly due to fear of judgment or bullying, or (iii) some other factor.

A higher percentage of adult men and women with disabilities reported being divorced or widowed. This raises certain questions that warrant more research:

What factors contribute to the higher divorce rates among individuals with disabilities, and how does having a disability impact relationships?

Is the higher widowed rate among individuals with disabilities linked to being married to partners who may be considered unsuitable due to factors like age or health concerns?

Except for women who had difficulty climbing, walking, or having some difficulty, rural Pakistanis reported a higher rate of disability than urban dwellers. Adults with disabilities in rural areas may face additional challenges than those in urban areas due to factors such as lower socioeconomic status, limited transportation, and limited access to healthcare and education. These obstacles may limit individuals' ability to maintain and improve the quality of their lives and health. Thus, improving accessibility and inclusivity in rural areas for people with disabilities can benefit their overall health and well-being.

The prevalence of individuals with disabilities is higher among those in the lowest, second, and middle-income quintiles, while it is lower among those who belong to the wealthiest class. This disparity can be attributed to a variety of factors, including lower-income individuals' limited access to healthcare, which results in a higher incidence of untreated or undiagnosed disabilities. Furthermore, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers to quality education, exacerbating the impact of disabilities.

Through data visualizations, this article advocates for a more inclusive and responsive approach to addressing disability in Pakistan. According to the statistics, adults with disabilities are more likely to attain lower levels of education, with a significant number only achieving primary education. Furthermore, the percentage of disability is significantly higher in rural areas and among those in the lowest wealth quintile. The data also reveals that people with disabilities have higher rates of being divorced and being widowed, which highlights the additional societal issues they face.

These findings highlight the need for policies that improve access to healthcare, education, and social support for individuals with disabilities. By addressing these issues, we can create a more inclusive society where people with disabilities can achieve higher education, build stable relationships, and enjoy a better quality of life. 

By Sarah Maham