Karachi:
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated a rehabilitation center for children with physical and neurological development challenges on Monday.
The installation was established by the collaboration between Marie Adelaide Leprosy Center (MALC), the Ministry of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and the Government.
The inauguration event was followed by the secretary of the DEPD, Taha Ahmed Farooqi, the German Consul General Dr Rüdiger Lotz, the World Health Councilor of German Health and the TB Relief Association (GLRA) Dr Anil Fastino, and the CEO of Malc Mervyn Francis, among other notable figures.
Calling the center a headlight of hope for children with conditions such as autism and Down syndrome, as well as other physical and neurological challenges, CM has expressed that the government’s vision is to provide treatment and opportunities to these children so that they can live a dignified and fulfilling life.
CM Shah has revealed that the center offers a full range of services provided by specialists. These include physiotherapy to improve the physical development of children, speech therapy to improve communication, corrective therapy to support cognitive development, behavioral therapy to encourage constructive behavior, occupational therapy focused on daily skills and a sensory room to help children with sensory treatment. In addition, the installation also offers a playground under professional supervision. The CM visited the center, examined the facilities and encountered the children.
He also said that the government had allocated 100 acres of land near the Malir highway for the creation of an inclusive city for people with special needs. The city will provide schools, rehabilitation centers, vocational training institutes, a hospital, neuropsychiatric service and residential facilities, as well as a 20 acres park to offer a safe play area for children with special needs, as well as a large housing building from various social protection organizations.
The CM said that the city would become an accessibility and opportunity model, where people with disabilities could live independently and actively contribute to society.
Meanwhile, answering a question, CM Shah said that the provincial budget would be presented on June 13, 2025, with particular attention to the agricultural sector. In addition, he urged the provincial representation of the K-Electric Directors (KE) and other electricity distribution companies, so that Sindh consumers can benefit directly.
He also said that the government wanted to direct Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco) as part of a public-private partnership model.
The CM revealed that discussions with the federal government on the issue are underway and, although progress is made, the results will take time.
