Woman with a cause: Pakistan’s first blind diplomat working for more accessible world

ISLAMABAD: Saima Saleem made headlines final yr when she addressed the UN Basic Meeting with a fierce speech in assist of the appropriate of Kashmiris to self-determination. All cameras had been on her as she sat behind the Pakistan nameplate on the meeting’s corridor and browse her tackle written in Braille.

Born in Lahore in 1984, Saleem misplaced her sight across the age of 17 to a uncommon genetic dysfunction of the eyes that steadily causes lack of imaginative and prescient.

A global humanitarian legislation graduate of the Geneva Academy of Worldwide Humanitarian Regulation and Human Rights, holding a grasp’s diploma in English literature from the Kinnaird School for Ladies in Lahore, she grew to become Pakistan’s first blind civil servant when she joined the overseas workplace in 2008.

The stereotypes, prejudices and challenges, particularly institutional, that Saleem needed to face as a girl and an individual with a incapacity didn’t discourage her, and with household assist, she broke limitations, set precedents and paved the best way for others.  

“I used to be the primary visually impaired who joined not solely overseas service however the civil service of Pakistan. After that it gave encouragement to a variety of blind college students to purpose for that and aspire to do one thing that they at all times wished to,” Saleem informed Arab Information in an unique interview final week.

Earlier than Saleem’s admission, individuals with disabilities might solely be employed as civil servants in sectors reminiscent of info, publish, commerce and commerce. 

Throughout her examination, Saleem objected to the principles: “I informed them that civil service is about competence, benefit and equal alternative. If I handle to safe a great place and am eligible for becoming a member of overseas service, then there should not be a bar on the premise of my incapacity.”

As soon as the outcomes had been introduced, she was the sixth-best candidate in Pakistan, and the Federal Public Service Fee moved a abstract for the prime minister to amend the principles.

“The civil service guidelines had been amended,” Saleem stated. “That was one thing I feel was a second which gave me a variety of satisfaction and it opened up the window for becoming a member of civil providers for [those] who can be becoming a member of within the years to return.”

Decided to realize her profession targets, Saleem reached the world of worldwide diplomacy and now serves as a counselor at Pakistan’s Everlasting Mission to the UN in New York.

On the similar time, she is aware of her position doesn’t finish there, as she is able to assist make the world extra accessible by her instance and advocacy.

“Most difficult factor for me was, if I’ll say it, a problem to make our society and the system perceive that it isn’t your incapacity that issues slightly it’s your capability that counts,” she stated.

Saleem and her brother Yousaf Saleem have the identical imaginative and prescient dysfunction, and each acquired the assist of oldsters who needed them to be educated and contribute to society. The sister grew to become Pakistan’s first blind civil servant, whereas the brother in 2018 grew to become the nation’s first visually impaired civil choose.

“I need to be a supply of consciousness for therefore many individuals round who would wish extra info and understanding of the problem,” Saleem stated.

Her speech on the human rights scenario in Indian-controlled Kashmir — the world’s most militarized zone and the biggest area occupied by safety forces, the place the native inhabitants has for years accused Indian troops of violations and focusing on civilians — shined a highlight on her.

Her UN tackle got here after an Indian delegate leveled accusations in opposition to Pakistan, with which India has a longstanding dispute over Kashmiri territory, as each nations rule it partly however declare it in full.

The speech was part of Saleem’s skilled responsibility, however she stated it additionally resonated together with her convictions, schooling and personal examine, as she has lately completed writing a e book on the standing of human rights in Kashmir from a authorized perspective.

“I, as a diplomat, was doing my official dedication and accountability,” Saleem stated. “Maybe what made it somewhat particular was my very own ardour to work for them (Kashmiris) and my very own conviction that they’re experiencing one of many gravest human tragedies that’s unfolding within the twenty first century.”