Blind people's sit-in in Lahore continues for 12th consecutive day
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The protest by blind people in Lahore has entered its 12th day as the demonstrators continue to demand the fulfillment of their rights, reported 24NewsHd TV channel on Friday.
The talks initiated by the Punjab government on the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Punjab with the protesters a day ago remained fruitless as the blind people were adamant about continuing their protest until their demands were addressed.
They blocked a main road leading to the CM secretariat on Mall Road, significantly disrupting traffic flow in the city. While they opened one lane at Club Chowk to allow partial traffic movement, the sit-in continues outside the secretariat, causing serious inconvenience to the city's residents. Citizens are facing delays, with traffic in the area moving slowly due to the blockade.
The protesters, who had previously held a sit-in at Faisal Chowk near the Lahore Press Club, have now shifted their demonstration to the CM Secretariat.
Despite facing police action in recent days, including reported violence, the blind individuals have refused to back down, emphasizing that they will not be silenced by intimidation.
Their core demands include increasing the job quota for disabled individuals from 3% to 6%, citing that 15% of Punjab's population consists of blind individuals.
In addition, they are calling for an increase in the "guide allowance" from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 3,000 to support the visually impaired.
Another significant demand is raising the financial aid provided through the Khidmat Cards, asking for a minimum of Rs. 20,000 in assistance.
The protesters have also highlighted the plight of daily wage workers among the blind community, who they say are regularly dismissed after three months of service without any job security.
"We have been deceived countless times by the authorities, who promise to fulfill our demands but never follow through.”
As the protest continues, the blind community remains firm in their stance, warning that the demonstrations will persist until tangible steps are taken by the government to meet their demands.