OICCI Hosts “Dining in the Dark” to Unite Foreign Investors for Disability Inclusion

Karachi: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) held a distinctive event, the “Dining in the Dark Experience,” in partnership with Khaas Foodz Kitchen (KFK) on Thursday. This initiative aimed to unite OICCI’s member firms and international investors to highlight the significance of including individuals with disabilities and to confront the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the corporate sector.PM urges SCO member states to work together for well-connected, prosperous region

The centerpiece of the event was a sensory dining experience, where participants were blindfolded and guided through a meal prepared by visually impaired chefs from KFK, a social enterprise dedicated to training and hiring individuals with disabilities. This extraordinary setting allowed attendees to directly experience the obstacles faced by PWDs, promoting empathy and igniting conversations about inclusion.

Ahmed Bozai, Chairperson of OICCI’s Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee, stressed the necessity for corporate Pakistan to lead the charge for change. “Creating inclusive environments is not just a moral obligation—it’s a business imperative. Individuals with disabilities possess remarkable talent, and it’s essential that we develop pathways for them to fully engage and succeed,” Ahmed stated during his keynote address.

Following the dining experience, the event included a panel discussion featuring industry leaders such as Ali Tareen, founder of Khaas Foodz Kitchen; Fizza Hussain, co-founder of KFK; Saadia Fahad, general manager of DEI at K-Electric; and Fatima Arshad, head of communications and sustainability at Unilever Pakistan. The discussion examined the challenges and opportunities businesses encounter when fostering inclusive workplaces and the necessity of implementing disability-friendly policies.

OICCI’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) surveys indicate that while nearly half of respondents prioritize D&I, the representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) remains minimal, with less than 0.5% of permanent employees being PWDs. In response, OICCI Secretary General M Abdul Aleem remarked, “Our aim is to enhance these figures. It is vital for our member companies to go beyond mere policies and actively cultivate work environments where individuals with disabilities can flourish.”