On the eve of World Children’s Day, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the UJALA Centre, a facility dedicated to children with autism and disabilities, and announced the development of UJALA-II with the partnership between Department of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) Ujala Centre in Defence Phase-8Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing the needs of all children, including those with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive society. “An inclusive Sindh is a prosperous Sindh,” emphasised Murad Shah, highlighting that every child deserves equal opportunities to thrive,” he said
The chief minister was accompanied by the Secretary of the Department of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Taha Farooqi. Chairman UJALA Centre Zakria Godal and CEO Hamad Aslam received the chief minister. At UJALA Centre Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah Visits Ujala Centre, Announces Park for Children with DisabilitiesOn Wednesday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the Ujala Centre, touring the facility and engaging with stakeholders to better understand the challenges faced by children with disabilities, particularly those with autism.
During his visit, the Chief Minister received a comprehensive briefing on the UJALA -II C-ARTS DEPD project. “This initiative aims to support children with autism and related conditions by providing specialised educational and therapeutic services,” the CM said. The Ujala -II project would be established over an area of 400 Square Yards in Defence Phase- 8 in partnership with UJALA, headed by Mr Yakoob Zakria and the provincial government’s DEPD. The CM praised the efforts of Mr Zakria in creating a nurturing environment for children and emphasised the importance of expanding such initiatives to promote inclusive education across Sindh.The CM directed the Consultant of the UJALA-II to complete the project within two years instead of three years. CM Murad Ali Shah also met with the parents of children with autism to gain insight into the challenges they encounter in their daily lives. Parents shared concerns about the lack of inclusive recreational spaces, societal stigma, and limited resources for therapy and education.
The CM expressed empathy for their concerns and directed Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab to dedicate a separate park for the children with disabilities at Clifton Block-5. “The Sindh Government is committed to improving facilities for children with special needs.This park will feature wheelchair-accessible pathways, sensory play areas, and other amenities designed to meet the needs of children with physical and developmental disabilities. “We want our children to grow up in an environment where they feel included, empowered, and supported,” said the CM.
The parents of children with autism also told the CM that their children were struck out from school. At this, the CM directed Secretary DEPD Tauha Farooqi to redress the grievances of the parents with disabilities and keep him in the loop. Chief Minister Shah also discussed the Sindh Government’s upcoming Inclusive City project.
“This initiative aims to transform urban spaces into more accessible and inclusive environments for all residents, especially those with disabilities,” he said. The project will focus on enhancing public infrastructure, improving transportation facilities, and promoting awareness about inclusion and diversity.
