Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday inaugurated a rehabilitation centre for children with physical and neurological developmental challenges.
The facility was established through collaboration between Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC), the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), and the government.
The inauguration event was attended by DEPD Secretary Taha Ahmed Farooqi, German Consul General Dr Rüdiger Lotz, Global Health Advisor German Leprosy and TB Relief Association (GLRA) Dr Anil Fasstino, and MALC CEO Mervyn Francis, among other notable figures.
Calling the centre a beacon of hope for children with conditions such as autism and Down Syndrome, as well as other physical and neurological challenges, the CM expressed that the government's vision is to provide treatment and opportunities to these children so they may live dignified and fulfilling lives.
CM Shah revealed that the centre offers a comprehensive range of services provided by specialists. These include physiotherapy to improve children's physical development, speech therapy to enhance communication, remedial therapy to support cognitive development, behavioural therapy for encouraging constructive behavior, occupational therapy focusing on daily life skills, and a sensory room to help the children with sensory processing. Further, the facility also offers a play area under professional supervision. The CM visited the center, reviewed the facilities, and met with the children.
He also stated that the government has allocated 100 acres of land near the Malir Expressway for the establishment of an Inclusive City for people with special needs. The city will provide schools, rehabilitation centres, vocational training institutes, a hospital, a neuropsychiatric ward, and residential facilities, as well as a 20 acre park to offer a safe play space for children with special needs, along with a large building housing offices of various welfare organisations.
The CM stated the city would become a model of accessibility and opportunity, where people with disabilities could live independently and contribute actively to society.
Meanwhile, responding to a question, CM Shah stated that the provincial budget would be presented on June 13, 2025, with special attention given to the agriculture sector. Further, he urged provincial representation on the boards of K-Electric (KE), and other power distribution companies, so that Sindh's consumers may directly benefit.
He also stated the government wants to run Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO) under a public-private partnership model.
The CM revealed that discussions with the federal government on the matter are ongoing, and while progress is being made, results will take time.
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