KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday pledged to further promote inclusive education and expand opportunities in health and employment for persons with disabilities.

Addressing the Grand Festival for Special Children at Al-Noor Park, Clifton, organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), he described the event as a celebration of inclusivity, equality and human dignity, calling special children “Sindh’s shining stars and an endless source of inspiration.”

The CM mingled with differently-abled children at the festival, which featured 87 stalls showcasing their talents and skills, and enjoyed food items they had prepared.

Mr Shah said that disability was not a limitation but a valuable aspect of humanity’s diversity. He praised the resilience and abilities of special children and their families and underscored the need to provide them with equal opportunities and support.

He also lauded the DEPD and partner NGOs for organising the festival, which he said symbolised the province’s commitment to inclusivity, equality and respect for every individual.

The CM said that the 1973 Constitution was the vision of late Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and it guaranteed equality and welfare for all citizens. He highlighted Articles 25 and 38 as safeguards for the rights of persons with disabilities and reaffirmed the state’s obligation to ensure their well-being.

He announced plans to make public spaces and transport facilities more accessible and to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of ability. He linked the spirit of the event to the Independence Day celebrations, saying the festival embodied the same values of inclusivity, equality and respect on which the country was founded.

He pledged that the government would continue striving to serve the people of the province, ensure equal opportunities for all and turn Quaid-i-Azam’s dream into reality for every child and citizen.

The CM also announced “concrete measures” to promote inclusive education, expand the network of accessible schools and special centres, and increase opportunities in health, technology and employment for persons with disabilities.

His announcement was met with applause and appreciation from the attendees, who included provincial ministers Zulfiqar Shah and Riaz Shah Shirazi, Senator Waqar Mehdi, DEPD Secretary Taha Farooqi, Special Assistant Saleem Baloch and other officials.

Hoisting of flag atop KCCI

Earlier, the chief minister visited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to participate in the 78th Independence Day celebrations themed Marka-i-Haq.

He hoisted the national flag atop the KCCI’s newly restored heritage building, calling it a symbol of the city’s commercial legacy and economic heartbeat.

The CM reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to business-friendly policies under the Pakistan Peoples Party and stressed that a strong economy was essential for a strong Pakistan. “We must work together for the province’s prosperity,” he said, emphasising the need for both agricultural and industrial growth.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2025