ConnectHear has brought its Access.Ability.Careers initiative back to Karachi for the third time, with Standard Chartered Pakistan serving as Platinum Sponsor.

The initiative aims to expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Pakistan. It connects job seekers with employers and promotes more inclusive recruitment practices.

The event brought together nearly 2,000 persons with disabilities from Karachi and neighbouring cities. More than 30 companies from the financial, telecommunications and textile sectors also participated.

Public and private institutions supported the event, including the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and SPDPA. The platform allowed candidates to meet employers, explore career options and demonstrate their professional skills.

Initiative Connects Job Seekers with Employers

Access.Ability.Careers has engaged more than 60 corporations nationwide through previous editions. The initiative has also facilitated job placements in several cities.

Participants included experienced professionals, recent graduates and first-time job seekers. Employer booths, networking sessions and direct recruiter engagement helped candidates explore available roles and pursue employment opportunities.

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Previous editions also helped participants secure interviews and jobs. These outcomes highlight the importance of accessible recruitment platforms that connect employers with people of different abilities.

Standard Chartered Backs Disability Inclusion

Adil Salahuddin, CEO and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Pakistan, said the initiative helps address barriers to employment.

“At Standard Chartered, we believe talent is universal, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Creating pathways to employment for persons with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, it also makes business sense. Diverse and inclusive workplaces drive innovation, strengthen decision-making and better reflect the communities we serve. Through our partnership with ConnectHear and initiatives such as Access.Ability.Careers, we are proud to help remove barriers, connect talented individuals with meaningful opportunities, and contribute towards building a more inclusive workforce in Pakistan. Lasting change requires collaboration, and we are encouraged to see employers, policymakers and civil society coming together to advance disability inclusion across the country.”

ConnectHear Highlights the Value of Equal Opportunities

Azima Dhanjee, CEO and co-founder of ConnectHear, said her personal experience shaped her commitment to equal opportunities. Growing up with two Deaf parents showed her the difference that access and inclusion can make.

She said the initiative aims to help employers recognise talent while expanding access to meaningful work and services.

Dhanjee also highlighted the scale of disability inclusion. She cited an estimate that around 1.3 billion people worldwide experience significant disability. She also referred to an estimated US$18.3 trillion in spending power associated with the disability market.

“These figures show why inclusion matters to every business,” she said.

Dhanjee added that ConnectHear aims to bring employers, government institutions and communities together. The goal is to expand employment opportunities, improve accessibility and support greater independence.

UK Supports Accessible Opportunities

Alison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, stressed the importance of equal access to careers.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to build a career and fulfil their potential. ConnectHear and Standard Chartered are helping to make that possible by bringing people with disabilities and employers together. The UK is proud to support their work to make information and communication more accessible, so that more people can participate fully and independently.”

The initiative reflects growing efforts to promote disability inclusion in Pakistan’s workplaces. By bringing employers and job seekers together, ConnectHear and Standard Chartered Pakistan aim to help more people access meaningful career opportunities.