Hands of Expression, Hearts of Inclusion: DGSE Celebrates International Day of Sign Languages 2025

Islamabad, September 23, 2025: The Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE), Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, hosted a vibrant celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) at the National Institute of Special Education (NISE), H-8/4 Islamabad, bringing together Deaf students, educators, and officials to honor the beauty and power of sign language. This year’s global theme, “No Human Rights without Sign Language Rights,” set the tone for a day dedicated to the recognition of sign languages as a fundamental human right and a vital medium of inclusion.
The event was graced by Capt. (R) Asif Iqbal Asif, Joint Secretary (International Coordination) / Director General Special Education as Chiefguest.
Mr. Aaroon Joshua Das, Project Director PMU,  also joined the event. 

Deaf students from the National Special Education Centre for Hearing Impaired Children (H-9/4) and the National Training Centre for Special Persons (G-9/2) proudly showcased their talents and creativity. College-wing students delivered powerful speeches in a thematic sign language declamation on the importance of sign language for an inclusive society, inspiring the audience with their eloquence and confidence. Students also prepared posters and presented art and craft exhibits that highlighted the cultural richness of International Day of Sign Languages. 

From the national anthem to recitation, naat, and all program segments, the entire event was conducted exclusively in Pakistan Sign Language, demonstrating its strength as a complete natural language.

A special video message by Mr. Irfan Mumtaz, CEO of the Pakistan Association of the Deaf, uplifted participants with words of encouragement and pride in Deaf identity. Senior Pakistan Sign Language Interpreter Ms. Nasreen Agahi also joined the event, bringing joy to students who deeply value her lifelong contribution to PSL advocacy.

Adding to the spirit of the day, college students Muhammad Umair, Waleed, and Haroon-ur-Rasheed represented the Deaf community to the media, proudly sharing their delight in celebrating a day that honors their language and identity.

In his address, Capt. (R) Asif Iqbal Asif, while crediting Federal Minister for Federal Education & Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Federal Secretary Mr. Nadeem Mahbub for championing reforms that empower persons with disabilities, emphasized that the recognition of sign language is not merely symbolic but essential to ensuring the rights, dignity, and inclusion of the Deaf community in Pakistan. He reaffirmed that the Ministry is on track to lead the Pakistan Sign Language Standardization Initiatives in collaboration with all stakeholders. Speaking directly to the students, he added, “We will continue to keep the sparkle in your eyes alive through every possible effort providing a state of the art Deaf education, market-driven vocational training, opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment, and holistic development so that each of you can shine with confidence and achieve your fullest potential.”

The celebration concluded with a joyful cake-cutting ceremony, joined by all Directors and Officer In-Charges of DGSE, where students presented beautiful Islamic calligraphy artworks to the Director General as a token of appreciation for his unwavering support and for the Ministry’s ongoing revamping initiatives in special education across the federal capital.