KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah distributed Rs800 million among 105 partner organisations and NGOs for the provision of assistive devices to differently abled persons, terming the initiative a significant step towards inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity.

Addressing the ceremony organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) at CM House, the chief minister said that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to building an inclusive and compassionate society.

“A society where every individual can live with dignity, independence, and confidence. The true measure of a society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens,” he remarked.

Mr Shah noted that the government, in collaboration with partner organisations, was ensuring the provision of wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, and other assistive devices that could significantly improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Partner organisations will provide assistive devices to empower the segment; government also offers free education, stipends, uniforms, transport facility, books, etc

“We are working on a broader inclusion agenda, including expanding DEPD services to the taluka level, strengthening implementation of the five per cent job quota in the public sector and encouraging its adoption in the private sector.”

The chief minister also announced plans for a comprehensive disability census to ensure accurate data for improved planning and service delivery, while sharing details about government initiatives aimed at inclusive education, teacher capacity-building in collaboration with international partners, and enhanced coordination for autism rehabilitation centres across federal and provincial levels.

Earlier, secretary of DEPD Tauha Farooqi gave presentation on the department’s performance, ongoing initiatives and future roadmap.

The department, he said, was currently operating through a wide network of 67 government special education and rehabilitation centres, 90 partner NGOs, Braille press facilities, and audio-visual libraries, all aimed at promoting inclusion and accessibility.

“Enrolment in special education institutions has increased from 4,794 in 2023 to 6,046 in 2025, marking a growth of over 26 per cent, though 2,033 students remained on waiting lists; Karachi recorded the highest increase, while Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana also showed notable progress,” he said.

The secretary informed the audience that after DEPD took over the “Agosh” centre at Pakistan Steel Mills, new admissions had been made, though a significant number of students were still awaiting placement.

He added that services were being provided to individuals with diverse needs, including autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, visual and hearing after DEPD took over the “Agosh” centre at Pakistan Steel Mills, new admissions had been made, though a significant number of students were still awaiting placement.

He added that services were being provided to individuals with diverse needs, including autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia, visual and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, and other neurological and physical disabilities.

To modernise learning, he pointed out, 20 digital classrooms were functional, with 28 more planned. The DEPD was offering a comprehensive range of services, including free education, stipends, uniforms, assistive devices, transportation, meals, textbooks, Braille materials, and access to audio-visual libraries.

“Skill development and vocational training programmes are also being implemented to create employment pathways and promote economic independence among persons with disabilities.

“Under the Centre for Autism, Rehabilitation and Training Sindh, over 5,359 children have been registered, with 1,069 currently enrolled and 512 awaiting admission. New centres are nearing completion in multiple cities across Sindh,” he said.

The government, he added, had approved an endowment fund of Rs1 billion to ensure the sustainability of these centres.

Similarly, the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation was expanding its services, with new facilities operational in Hyderabad and additional centres under construction in several cities.

The secretary also highlighted the chief minister’s flagship “Inclusive City” project, under which 75 acres of land had been allocated to develop a fully accessible and integrated urban environment tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities.

According to officials, the government had allocated Rs800 million for assistive devices for fiscal year 2025-26 with a significant portion already released for distribution through partner NGOs.

Through these collaborations, 15 new centres have been established, services have expanded province-wide, and approximately 120,000 individuals have benefited directly and indirectly.

The event also saw signing of an agreement between the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research and Development Board and the DEPD to strengthen cooperation in disability empowerment initiatives.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026