KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowered society and announced Rs400 million in financial assistance for differently-abled people.

Addressing the cheque distribution event organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) at the CM’s office, Mr Shah emphasised the importance of sustainable partnerships, access to assistive technologies, inclusive education, and equal employment opportunities as central priorities of the provincial government.

Provincial Ministers, Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Senator Waqar Mehdi, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah and representatives of partner organisations working on differently-abled people’s rights attended the event.

The chief minister distributed cheques to 56 partner organisations, part of a Rs400m financial assistance package aimed at improving lives of differently-abled people. The funds have already been transferred to the recipients’ accounts.

“Assistive technologies like wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and communication tools are not just devices — they represent independence, dignity, and opportunity,” said the CM. “We are building a society where no one is left behind,” he added.

CM Murad says 12 autism centres will become operational by December

A group of differently-abled children performed tableaux, including one paying tribute to the armed forces. Artwork created by these children, featuring portraits of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and the chief minister, was displayed on stage and subsequently were given to the chief minister.

Mr Shah announced that the budget of DEPD for the next fiscal year had been increased to Rs800m.

He added that 20 new centres for differently-abled people had been established in partnership with NGOs.

The CM stated that the capacity of 15 existing centres had been enhanced, and transportation support had been extended for the pick-and-drop facility at 66 centres.

He further mentioned that 12 autism centres would be operational by the end of the year and that his government plans to establish at least one centre in every district.

Regarding CRTS, the chief minister said that the CRTS Centre in Larkana will be inaugurated this year; 25 children have already been registered at the Shaheed Benazirabad Centre.

A new CRTS Centre will be established in Mirpurkhas as per the directive of President Asif Zardari.

The CM, speaking about inclusive education, said that a separate directorate had been created to ensure enrolment of differently-abled children in mainstream schools. A specialised curriculum has also been developed.

The chief minister said that the event was dedicated to the memory of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who, he said, “sacrificed her life to protect democracy”.

He also directed that all government buildings must have wheelchair ramps, adding, “The CM House is now fully wheelchair accessible.”

Mr Shah acknowledged that while much has been done “a lot more remains to be done”.

He credited the partner organisations for filling crucial gaps and emphasised that their continued cooperation is vital for achieving lasting change.

“Inclusion, accessibility, and dignity are not privileges-they are rights. With our partners, we aim to build a better, more compassionate society,” the Chief Minister concluded.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025