KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Saturday inaugurated the daylong ‘Abilities Expo 2017’, dubbed as the ‘largest event for people with disabilities in the country’ at the Expo Centre.

The event was organised by the provincial special education ministry in collaboration with the Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC).

The Abilities Expo featured an inspiring line-up of exhibits and activities, including a job fair, involvement of celebrities and innovative activities to appeal to people of all ages with physical, learning, developmental and sensory disabilities.

The public- and private-sector schools imparting education and vocational training to special children and a large number of people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, senior citizens, and healthcare professionals turned up at the event.

In his speech, Chief Minister Shah directed the special education ministry to prepare an annual calendar of extracurricular activities in collaboration with sports department for what he termed the ‘differently-abled’ children to bring them into the mainstream.

He said the purpose of arranging the event was to provide opportunities to special people by bringing all stakeholders on one platform.

“So far, limited efforts have been made to develop a mechanism of strong linkages between special persons, educational institutions and entrepreneurs,” he said.

“This event gives better coordination and a mechanism offering incentives in addition to existing facilities.”

He said it was an innovative approach to provide an opportunity to differently-abled people to be self-sponsored and lead an independent life.

Admitting and recognising the responsibility of his government, the CM vowed to provide better institutional framework for differently-abled people.

“It is our collective responsibility to look after the neglected and downtrodden sections of society,” he said. “Let us resolve to defeat this mindset of inaction, neglect and contempt for this community by raising awareness and putting in our efforts to facilitate and bolster them.”

He vowed to provide maximum funds and support for activities in schools and other institutions.

Secretary of Special Education Dr Zulfiqar Shalwani said his ministry intended to organise such events for betterment of special people and their families with a view to highlighting achievements and aspirations in future.

Earlier, Robina Inam, founding member and principal of the KVTC, said Abilities Expo was a platform for the largely marginalised disabled community of Pakistan.

“This annual event will be used to publicly voice and share their concerns, showcase their abilities and skills to the world, and find solutions readily available in Pakistan to their various special needs.”

She said under the banner of Abilities Expo, the government of Sindh and the Karachi Vocational Training Centre provided a platform for persons with disabilities, providing equal opportunities to everyone in the community leading to a more inclusive society.

A variety of talent welcomed the audience in halls 1, 2 and 3 of the Expo Centre, where different activities, including tableaus, taekwondo performances and sports activities like basketball, arts and vocational displays and products were displayed.

Organisers said the Abilities Expo platform catered to an audience of over 20,000, providing abilities-enhancing products and services, employment and partnership opportunities for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, special educational schools, welfare organisations, healthcare professionals, and bridging the gap between services for people with disabilities in the public and private sectors.

Apart from the government officials, the event was also attended by businessmen, intellectuals, members of the armed forces, and heads of diplomatic missions from Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Turkey, Switzerland and Malaysia.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2017