Atif Muhammad

Muhammad Atif Sheikh, a renowned disability-inclusive development advocate, serving Pakistan for over 20 years. Born with a physical disability, passionately dedicated his life for empowerment of disabled citizens. To mainstream disability into development, Atif founded ‘Special Talent Exchange Program ‘(STEP) that is run by persons with disabilities themselves since 1997. STEP, the only disabled people’s organization in South Asia, appointed as special consultative status to the economic and social council in the United Nations.

Realizing the hardships of children with severe disabilities in most marginalized villages of Pakistan, Atif envisioned establishing a state-of-the-art rehabilitation and education facility in Daharki, Sindh in 2019, serving around 200 children. He introduced Accessible Technology Lab in the National Institute of Special Education, Islamabad through public private partnership.

To promote livelihood opportunities, Atif established a “Disability Job Center” in 2013, more than 3,000 persons with disabilities have availed gainful employment opportunities.

To generate evidence-based research on policymaking, Atif established the Center for Research on Inclusive Development, country’s first-ever national repository of publications and research on disability.

Atif played a key advisory role with Election Commission of Pakistan to include disability in Election Act 2017. History made, 11000 polling stations made accessible for persons with disabilities in preceding General Elections.

Atif played a key role in lobbying with policymakers, DPOs and like-minded groups to create demand for the law to protect their rights. He guided process of drafting The ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2020.

Atif’s’ significant contribution for Pakistan’s first-ever legislation to protect the rights of persons with disabilities has been acknowledged by the Government of Pakistan. His innovative concepts of disability inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction, education, livelihood and political participation has got recognition globally.

Atif and his team represented Pakistan in 56 countries on key forums/meetings on disability inclusion in the global development agenda. The UNESCAP acknowledged Atif as Promoter for Incheon Strategy for the Asia Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities (2013-22) under the Champions of Decade Award on Disability for Asia and Pacific.

Atif represents Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES) and the World Institute on Disability. He holds honorary positions as Chair for South Asian Disability Forum and Commonwealth Forum of Disabled People.

His journey continues to develop leaders. Atif is proactively supporting organizational development, promote leadership through mentoring, exposures and counselling to spread and strengthen voices of disabled citizens at all levels.