TWO fresh initiatives involving new features in people`s CNICs should help enhance inclusivity for special persons, along with promoting organ donation amongst the public. Nadra has recently amended its rules to allow for a special wheelchair logo for persons with disabilities to be displayed on their CNICs; these cards will have lifetime validity.

Moreover, citizens who wish to donate their organs will now have a special donor logo printed on their identity cards. The prime minister had last year announced the latter initiative to promote organ donation, and thereby save lives. Those wishing to avail these new services will be able to do so upon applying for fresh CNICs, or renewing their cards.

With regard to PWDs, having CNICs with lifetime validity will save special persons from the trouble of having to visit Nadra centres for renewal. In a similar vein, the Punjab government last year launched the Himmat Card, which provides those PWDs who cannot work with financial support. These initiatives are welcome, but the state should also keep in mind that it needs to adapt infrastructure so that it is accessible to PWDs, and allows them to live their lives independently, and with dignity. For example, public transport infrastructure and vehicles should be PWDfriendly, while buildings also need to have ramps, elevators, etc, in place for special persons. As for the organ donor logo on CNICs, this initiative should be promoted by lawmakers, celebrities, influencers, and others, in order to increase the trend of deceased organ donation. As it is, there is considerable deficit in the legal demand and supply of organs, leading to transplant rackets.

Moreover, a person`s blood type should also be mentioned on the CNIC; this can help first responders save lives in emergency situations. These are progressive moves to further integrate PWDs into national life, and promote organ donation, and need to be accompanied by complementary measures by the state.