Azauj, a revolutionary matrimonial matchmaking service launched an exclusive matchmaking service for people with disabilities, today. The launch event was organized at Arfa Software Technology Park, Ferozpur Road, Lahore. The Azauj team has started this service on the demand of the disabled people and their families. Furthermore, the Azauj team has also undergone an extensive Disability Equality Training provided by the R&D Youth Connect, Punjab in order to be sensitized to, and comply with, the special needs of disabled people.

Azauj (meaning: the spouse), a revolutionary matrimonial matchmaking service is being supported by the Punjab Government’s Information Technology Board (PITB). Its objective is to provide efficient matchmaking service to Pakistanis living all over the world. Since finding a suitable life partner for one’s self, siblings or children is an arduous task. Most Pakistani households in the country and abroad face this serious issue every now and then. Available matchmaking services and traditional matchmakers at large fail to provide efficient and effective solutions. Their procedures also entail huge financial implications, which can be ignored but the emotional ordeal most go through is too much to bear. To address this issue, Azauj is currently working in Pakistan, UK and USA through offering online access as well as offices and representatives.

The service is to revolutionize the traditional matchmaking process for Pakistanis by incorporating sophisticated technology tools, customized according to our social and cultural norms/needs.

The launch event of ‘Azauj Special’ was led by internationally acclaimed Pakistani luminaries Mr. Muhammad Saleem Ahmad Ranjha, Vice President Fountain House Psychosocial Rehabilitation Activities, Director Taaleem Foundation and Secretary BISP; Dr. Khalid Jamil (Big Brother), Author, Scholar and Head of Medicine and Rehabilitation Dept. Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Dr. Izhar Hashmi, Director Programme Punjab Welfare Trust for the Disabled and Member BoD AKUWAT; and Advocate Omer Pervaiz Malik, President Highly Enthusiastic and Educative for Rights and Awareness (HEERA) and President R&D Youth Connect, Punjab.

Addressing the audience Dr. Khalid Jamil said there is a misconception that disabled people are unable to function in normal society. It is society that needs to accept the different ways in which disabled people can contribute and, in a majority of cases, these contributions can outweigh those of other, normal, people. He appreciated Sadia Cheema and the Azauj team and called the new venture for special people “brilliant”. He said that the most important part of the marriage of disabled people is that they should like each other as well as have a general acceptance of each other’s needs.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Saleem Ranjha said that if the raw talents of disabled people are fostered then they can reach the very pinnacle of their various fields. He cited the example of Stephen Hawkings who had grown to be the greatest mind in the world’s history.

In his address, Advocate Omer Pervaiz Malik said disability and functional limitations need to be understood. He said that his organization had already provided Disability Equality Training to the Azauj team and reaffirmed his commitment to the cause of Azauj special for the future.

Dr. Izhar Hashmi also lauded the initiative. He said formal platform for tackling various issues related to marriage of disabled individuals was lacking and he was hopeful that through the efforts of ‘Azauj Special’ team, this great gulf of understanding between disabled and normal people could be bridged for the benefit of all.”

The launch event was attended by disabled people, their families, friends and others who take part in Azauj’s matchmaking events on a regular basis.

Under the banner of Azauj Social, the matchmaking service provides families a distinctive forum, established for the first time in Pakistan, where they can meet and greet each other in an informal setting. Meetings and seminars are also organized in Lahore, Karachi and London under this initiative. Noted personalities, professional motivational speakers and trainers speak on different matchmaking and marital issues, self-development and mindfulness. They introduce the attendees to different perspectives offering different solutions.

Ms. Sadia Saleem Cheema, a computer scientist is the CEO of Azauj. Telling about this project, she says, “It is my sincere hope that our efforts will not just promote and facilitate better matchmaking but also provide a progressive platform from which outdated traditional norms and gender stereotypes can be challenged and, eventually, rejected.”