HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has shared an inspiring vision for the future, promising to turn Sindh into a “model province” where everyone, regardless of their physical or mental challenges, can reach their full potential.

On Thursday, the chief minister visited GOR Colony to officially open the sixth branch of the Karachi Down Syndrome Project (KDSP). This new centre is a partnership between the Sindh government and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD).

During the ceremony, the chief minister explained that his connection to this project is personal and emotional. He announced that more centres will soon open across the province.

One of the most exciting updates is the development of a new mobile app. This app is designed to help parents in rural areas teach their children vital skills at home.

The app will ensure families don’t have to travel long distances to big cities just to get the support they need.

Local Lady Health Workers (LHWs), who already visit homes in villages, will be trained to show parents how to use the app effectively.

He said the new Hyderabad centre currently helps about 65 children, but it has the capacity to support up to 300. As more families join, the centre will need to expand. Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro has already promised to provide more space to make sure no child is left behind.

While the chief minister noted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world and even replacing some jobs, he pointed out that human care can never be replaced. He encouraged young people to train in areas like speech and occupational therapy.

“People need to gain expertise in these fields. Even at this centre, we have specialist staff from Karachi visiting weekly to provide the best care,” he remarked.

Vision for an ‘Inclusive City’

The government isn’t just opening buildings; they are planning an entire “Inclusive City” on 75 acres of land. This will be a specially designed area where people with disabilities have every tool they need to succeed.

The Chief Minister argued that “disability” is often a problem created by society, not the individual. He shared the story of a blind student who passed the difficult “Central Superior Services” exams and joined the Foreign Service. “It is actually society’s disability when we fail to provide the right environment for people to succeed,” he said.

The head of KDSP, Tabish Shahzad, thanked the government and shared the story of Zara Mohammad, a young woman with Down syndrome.

He said Zara always dreamed of being an artist but struggled to find support. After joining the KDSP programme, she developed her talents. And today, Zara is an award-winning artist who sells her paintings online, he said.

For many families, this new centre is a dream come true. Previously, parents had to travel all the way from the outskirts of Hyderabad to Karachi for therapy and classes.

KDSP co-founder Ali Allahwalla said the day was about more than just a new building; it was about “solace” and comfort for families who now have the help they need right in their own neighbourhood.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2026