KARACHI: The Sindh government and the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) on Friday signed a five-year Rs439 million agreement to build a province-wide inclusive education system for differently-abled persons, with a dedicated Special Educational Needs Unit to be set up at the AKU-IED.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the AKU-IED and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) at Chief Minister (CM) House in the presence of CM Murad Ali Shah.
According to a press statement issued by CM House, the provincial government would contribute Rs278.56m, while the AKU-IED would contribute Rs160.65m.
The Special Educational Unit (SEN) at the AKU-IED will serve as a centre of excellence for teacher training, research, innovation, policy support and demonstration of best practices in inclusive education under the agreement, effective from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031.
Sindh govt, AKU-IED sign Rs439m pact; CM Murad says agreement will strengthen special needs education across province
The partnership will also establish specialised facilities, including sensory rooms, therapy rooms and resource centres, and support evidence-based policymaking and public awareness campaigns.
Disability inclusion partners including the Network of Organisations Working for Persons with Disabilities Pakistan (NOWPDP) will also support implementation, advocacy and community outreach.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the agreement marked an important step towards the province where every individual, regardless of ability, had the opportunity to learn, grow, contribute and thrive. “This MoU is far more than a formal agreement; it is a strategic partnership to strengthen inclusive and special needs education across Sindh,” he said.
Mr Shah said that the collaboration between the government would build institutional capacity, improve teacher preparation, strengthen research and create new opportunities for children with disabilities to access quality education.
He said that the partnership would help develop a more responsive education system through professional development, stronger community engagement and policy decisions grounded in evidence.
The chief minister said that the initiative could serve as a model for Pakistan on how governments and academic institutions can work together for an inclusive future.
AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin said that the partnership reflected a shared commitment to ensuring every child, regardless of ability, has access to meaningful learning.
Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026
