GLOBAL DISABILITY SUMMIT IN BERLIN: A GROUNDBREAKING STEP TOWARDS INCLUSION FOR 1 BILLION PEOPLE

Waqar Abbasi

Nawa-e-Waqt  

waqar051@gmail.com

Berlin, Germany — The third edition of the Global Disability Summit (GDS) has concluded in Berlin, marking a historic moment for the global disability movement. Co-hosted by Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the summit brought together over 4,500 participants from more than 100 countries, including a significant number of people with disabilities. The summit focused on fostering global collaboration to improve the lives of the 1 billion people living with disabilities worldwide.

Amman-Berlin Declaration Unveiled with Major Global Commitments

The highlight of the summit was the unveiling of the Amman-Berlin Declaration, a landmark agreement that sets a concrete goal: ensuring that 15% of all global development projects promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities. With the endorsement of over 100 countries and international organizations, this declaration establishes measurable targets for inclusion and accessibility, marking a significant step forward in the global fight for disability rights.

German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, hailed the declaration as a pivotal moment. "This initiative strengthens disability rights advocates worldwide. It sets the foundation for implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," Schulze said.

Summit Draws Record Participation

The summit, hosted by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), exceeded expectations in both scope and attendance. Delegates from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the business sector, as well as more than 45 delegates from Pakistan, were present. The event also featured prominent leaders, including German Chancellor and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Jordan, who attended the opening ceremony.

Global Disability Summit 2025 – (From left to right): His Royal Highness Prince Mired bin Ra'ad bin Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Nawaf Kabbara, President of the International Disability Alliance, come together in a powerful show of global unity for inclusion. Photo Credit: Florian Gaertner / photothek.net

Over the course of two days, more than 60 sessions were held, where participants discussed a range of issues affecting the global disabled population, including education, rehabilitation, and equal access to opportunities. The summit's atmosphere was one of shared commitment, with over 800 pledges made to improve accessibility for people with disabilities worldwide.

Focus on Inclusive Development and Donor Engagement

One of the summit's key themes was the need for donor countries to become active partners in funding initiatives for persons with disabilities. This collaboration aims to secure at least 15% of development funds for the disability community, ensuring that projects for disabled people receive adequate support. The conference also saw intense discussions on the role of international organizations like the United Nations and UNICEF in providing education, rehabilitation, and grants for people with disabilities.

International Cooperation to Strengthen Disability Rights

Germany and the African Union have agreed to collaborate on strengthening organizations that represent disabled people on the African continent. This partnership will help ensure that by 2028, people with mental and physical disabilities in Africa will have access to critical data and resources.

Participants of GDS-2025 - Credit: Felix Zahn/ photothek.net

The summit also served as a platform for various countries to share successful models and programs aimed at addressing the needs of persons with disabilities. These shared experiences will serve as valuable tools for other nations looking to implement similar initiatives.

The Road Ahead: Inclusion for All

As the summit drew to a close, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to the inclusion and rights of persons with disabilities. While the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been ratified by 192 countries, the summit underscored that much work remains to be done. The summit's collaborative spirit and the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration signal a renewed global focus on making inclusion a reality for all.

Waqar Abbasi is a Senior Correspondent for Daily Nawa-e-Waqt and serves as the Finance Secretary of the National Press Club in Islamabad. He can be reached at waqar051@gmail.com

LAHORE RANKS SAFER THAN LONDON, NEW YORK, AND PARIS, REVEALS NUMBEO

* The city saw a dramatic 50% drop in crime from 2023 to 2025, with major declines in robbery and theft.
* Smart policing, surveillance, and community engagement credited for Lahore’s security transformation.
* Pakistan’s Capital Islamabad Islamabad also gained global recognition, ranking 93rd with a strong safety index score of 67.9.

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

03335363248

ISLAMABAD: Amid the thunderclouds of tension looming between nuclear neighbors India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam incident, a quiet but remarkable story of hope, progress, and perception is unfolding in the heart of Pakistan: Lahore, once synonymous with chaotic charm and historical hustle, has emerged as one of the safest major cities in the world — outshining global heavyweights like London, New York, and Paris.

Lahore is the very same city that, in March 2019, stood at the center of a high-stakes moment in subcontinental history — when Pakistan, under the eyes of the world, returned captured Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman across the Wagah Border, offering a fleeting yet powerful gesture of peace.

In the 2025 edition of the Numbeo Crime and Safety Index, Lahore ranked 37th globally for low crime and 63rd among the world’s safest cities, leapfrogging over 249 other metropolises — including some of the world’s most developed urban hubs. The city that hugs the Indian border and pulses with Mughal history and modern ambitions is now being celebrated not just for its food and festivals, but for its falling crime and rising sense of security.

This is no statistical fluke. According to the data-driven index, which draws real-time, crowdsourced inputs from citizens worldwide, Lahore’s crime index sits at 37, and its safety index soars at 63 — far ahead of New York (50.7), Paris (51.1), Rome (48.8), and even London (47.6). It's a seismic shift in perception, but one firmly anchored in fact.

Perhaps even more surprising is the transformation underway in Lahore itself. A city once criticized for overstretched law enforcement and burgeoning population pressure has witnessed a stunning drop in crime — a near 50% decrease in overall reported incidents from 2023 to 2025. Robbery and homicide? Down 64%. Street crimes? Cut by more than half. Even vehicle theft — a long-standing urban nuisance — saw significant reductions across all categories.

Behind the numbers is a quiet urban revolution. Officials credit the turnaround to a blend of smart policing, real-time surveillance systems, improved community engagement, and political will. Where once there were blind spots, now there are CCTV cameras. Where once residents felt abandoned, now there are helplines, rapid-response units, and neighborhood watch programs.

“Lahore is not just surviving; it’s thriving,” said one security analyst. “And this recognition from Numbeo places it on the global map as a model city for safety — especially in the developing world.”

The Numbeo database, often used by governments, investors, and NGOs, is more than just a numbers game. As the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for cost of living and quality of life data, it captures how people feel about their cities. And in Lahore, it seems, people are finally feeling safer.

The momentum isn’t isolated. Islamabad, the serene federal capital, also made its mark — ranked 93rd out of 380 cities worldwide, with a strong safety index of 67.9. Previously declared a “family station” by the United Nations due to its high livability, Islamabad continues to serve as a symbol of relative peace and order in the region.

While headlines often focus on conflict, today, Lahore’s story offers a different narrative — one of transformation, resilience, and a city reimagining its future. From the chaotic traffic of Ferozepur Road to the manicured lawns of Gulberg, there's a growing sense that Lahore isn’t just rewriting its security script — it’s penning a new urban success story for South Asia.

BABAR AZAM SWINGS FROM ENGLISH WILLOW GRAY NICOLLS TO LOCAL PRIDE CHARAGHDIN-ABDUL RASHEED (CA)

FROM SUSSEX TO SIALKOT

Babar Azam swings Rs. 70 million historic deal with CA Sports

Mahtab Bashir
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
0333 53 63 248
ISLAMABAD

As Babar Azam, the Pakistan cricket sensation, bids farewell to English brand Gray Nicolls after a five-year partnership to embrace Sialkot’s local gem, CA, his bat faced a tough test against the West Indies in Multan, yielding only 8 and 5 runs. Yet, those stats hardly dim the brilliance of this gifted player, nor do they diminish the potential this transition holds for him.

Babar Azam, the dynamic 30-year-old batter, has bid farewell to his long-standing partnership with the English brand Gray Nicholls as of December 30, 2024. Embracing a new chapter, he has now signed on with CA Sports, a prominent cricket equipment manufacturer rooted in Pakistan.

Sources suggest that the former captain's pact with CA Sports is not only lucrative but also brimming with performance incentives. He is set to receive an impressive 70 million Pakistan rupees annually as a bat sponsorship fee, a record-breaking sum for any Pakistani batsman—rivaling the contracts of global cricket icons like Virat Kohli and Joe Root. Also, for every fifty and century he scores, Babar will earn further bonuses, adding an exciting edge to his on-field exploits.

Previously, Babar was a pivotal player in Gray Nicholls' promotional campaigns, even featuring in their illustrious “Fab Four” lineup. On January 1, Gray Nicholls cryptically hinted at the conclusion of their partnership with a thoughtful social media post showcasing a quote alongside his image.

In a swift celebration of their new collaboration, CA Sports introduced Babar with enthusiasm, launching a dedicated webpage for the “BA 56 King’s Edition” bat, now available for eager fans.

About CA Sports

Established in 1958 and headquartered in Sialkot, Punjab, CA Sports specializes in manufacturing high-quality cricket equipment and apparel. CA refers to the first initials of its founder's name, Charaghdin Abdul Rasheed. CA extensive product range includes everything from bats and protective gear to athletic footwear. As the official kit supplier for the Pakistan national cricket team, CA has a rich legacy of innovation, having pioneered the curve-shaped bat in 1979. CA Sports has had sponsorship deals with many international cricketers, including former Pakistani captain Babar Azam and Eion Morgan, Jason Roy, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tamim Iqbal, Fakhar Zaman, and many other cricketers. Brand Ambassadors of CA Sports are Tamim Iqbal from Bangladesh, Tillakaratne Dilshan from Sri Lanka, Shoaib Malik from Pakistan, Chris Gayle from West Indies. CA has sponsored many national & international players like Inzamam ul Haq, Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Moin Khan, Saleem Malik, Ijaz Ahmed, Umer Akmal, Haris Sohail, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, Michael Bevan, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Marvan Atapattu, Jacob Oram, Shakib Al Hasan, and Shoaib Malik. CA is the official supplier to the Pakistan Cricket Board and sponsors the national cricket team.

About Gray Nicholls

Founded in 1855 through the merger of Grays and Nicolls, Gray Nicholls is a historic English cricket brand known for its premium equipment. Renowned for outfitting numerous England captains throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it remains a favorite among cricketers worldwide, including notable players like Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain, Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook all used Gray-Nicolls throughout their tenures in charge. Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Yousuf, Shan Masood, Usama Mir, Saud Shakeel, Kushal Bhurtel, Karun Nair, Manish Pandey, Priyank Panchal, Shreyas Gopal, Sunil Gavaskar, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Kyle Verreynne, Brendan Taylor, Aaron Finch, David Warner, Annabel Sutherland, Ashton Turner, Ben Cutting, Ben McDermott, Beth Mooney, Cameron Green, Jess Jonassen, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tahlia McGrath, Travis Head, Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Chris Woakes, Harry Brook, James Anderson, Sam Billings, Ben Foakes, Maia Bouchier, Mike Atherton, Ollie Pope, Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Zak Crawley, Bas de Leede, Amelia Kerr, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam have also chosen Gray-Nicolls products at some point in their careers.