Financial Accessibility and Inclusion for Disabled People in Pakistan

Abstract

Disabled people in Pakistan represent a substantial yet often overlooked segment of the population, frequently excluded from formal financial systems. This exclusion not only limits their economic opportunities but also reinforces cycles of poverty. The present study investigates the state of financial inclusion for Disabled people through a mixed-methods approach, collecting primary data from 60 individuals in Bahawalpur, Punjab, and Multan. A Financial Inclusion Index (FII), developed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), reveals that only 16 participants have access to formal financial services. Key barriers identified include insufficient infrastructure, high service costs, and widespread distrust toward financial institutions. Further, a One-way ANOVA analysis shows no significant differences in financial exclusion between semi-urban and urban settings, highlighting a pervasive accessibility challenge across regions. The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted policies and interventions to remove structural obstacles, empowering Disabled people to participate fully in economic life rather than remain dependent beneficiaries.