CM Murad distributes Rs8b to support PWD programmes across Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday distributed Rs8 billion in funds among 105 partner organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to expand the province’s disability support programme.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House, Shah said the province would further expand the programme in partnership with more than 140 organisations. He added that four special parks for children with disabilities were being developed, along with a new 75-acre rehabilitation city.

He said the “breakthrough” in the initiative had been achieved through collaboration with partner organisations, adding that the government could provide resources but could not run institutions alone.

“A breakthrough in the sector has come when partner organisations joined hands with the government. More than 140 organisations — including small schools and larger institutions — are now working with the government,” he said.

Shah said he had made a personal effort to spend time with children with disabilities and reiterated plans to develop a dedicated city for their rehabilitation and support.

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The chief minister said the government could provide resources, but “not everyone has the passion to work”, adding that partner organisations were driving the success of disability-related initiatives.

He said all organisations were welcome to visit government-run institutions supporting persons with disabilities and to participate in programmes, adding that the government was working with partners to expand inclusion initiatives across Sindh and beyond.

Shah said he had observed globally that such systems were difficult to implement, adding that parents in Sindh frequently raised concerns about admission issues for their children with disabilities through messages and emails.

“In Sindh, such an initiative is not anywhere in the world,” he said.

Shah added that the government was signing memorandums of understanding with institutions to introduce special arrangements and courses for persons with disabilities.

The chief minister said inclusive education had been approved by the provincial cabinet and introduced in more than 300 schools, with teacher training underway to better support children with disabilities.

He added that schools seeking support would be assisted with capacity building and resources.