SHC orders making ramps, other facilities available at all district courts

The Sindh High Court (SHC), under the directions of Acting Chief Justice Zaffar Ahmed Rajput, has ordered the immediate provision of ramps, wheelchairs and special washrooms for differently-abled persons across all 28 district courts in Sindh to ensure unhindered access to justice for persons with disabilities.

According to official correspondence reviewed by The News, 16 districts have so far reported compliance, confirming that ramps and wheelchairs have been installed within their court premises. Additionally, a dedicated washroom for differently-abled litigants and visitors has been constructed at Karachi’s City Courts.

The Project Directorate of the Access to Justice Project, established under the Sindh High Court, has been tasked with obtaining regular progress reports from all districts to ensure effective and timely implementation of the acting chief justice’s orders. District and sessions judges have also been directed to personally verify the availability and usability of these facilities.

Officials said the directive forms part of a broader initiative launched by the Sindh judiciary to make the justice system more inclusive, citizen-friendly, and in line with international accessibility standards.

The move comes after repeated complaints by litigants, lawyers, and civil society representatives regarding the absence of basic accessibility infrastructure, such as ramps, elevators, and adapted washrooms at several district court complexes, including Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas.

In some older court buildings, persons with disabilities were reportedly carried manually by attendants or colleagues to reach courtrooms located on upper floors. These incidents, highlighted in multiple letters and public petitions, prompted the SHC to issue province-wide directions to ensure accessibility for all citizens, regardless of physical limitations.

Legal experts and disability rights advocates have welcomed the Sindh High Court’s initiative, terming it a long-overdue but significant step toward fulfilling Pakistan’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Article 25-A of the Constitution guaranteeing equality before the law. They emphasized that while the construction of ramps and provision of wheelchairs is a commendable start, continuous monitoring and maintenance would be essential to ensure that such facilities remain functional and accessible to those who need them most.