A relative of mine recently shared a video of one of her students from a reputable college in Punjab. The student is suffering from Parkinson's. She is unable to hold a pen in order to write due to her condition. The video compels me to request the CM and the provincial education authorities to form a special panel to assist students with writing disabilities, especially those appearing for board exams, if this is not already the case. Such students should be allowed to choose to opt for oral examinations. Additional time, while somewhat helpful, might end up being only more frustrating for both students and invigilators given that exams are already a fairly lengthy ordeal. We should strive to give children with disabilities the necessary support on their education journey and help them make a future for themselves.
Basma Malik
Rawalpindi