Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a financial assistance package of Rs. 400 million for persons with disabilities, reaffirming the provincial government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowered society. The announcement was made during a ceremony organized by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) at the Chief Minister’s House, where cheques totaling Rs. 400 million were distributed to 56 partner organizations to support the welfare of persons with disabilities.

The event was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Riaz Shah Shirazi, Zia Lanjar, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Shahid Thaheem, and Muhammad Ali Malkani, along with Senator Waqar Mehdi, Special Assistants Syed Qasim Naveed and Sarfaraz Rajar, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, DEPD Secretary Taha Farooqi, other provincial secretaries, and representatives of partner organizations working for disability rights.

Chief Minister Shah emphasized that the Sindh Government’s priorities include sustainable partnerships, access to assistive technologies, quality inclusive education, and equal employment opportunities. “Assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and communication devices are not just tools; they symbolize autonomy, dignity, and opportunity,” he said. He added that the funds have already been transferred to the accounts of deserving beneficiaries, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

During the ceremony, special children presented emotional tableaus, including one paying tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces. Artworks created by the children, featuring portraits of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the Chief Minister, were displayed on stage and later gifted to Murad Ali Shah.

The ceremony was held in memory of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who sacrificed her life for democracy. Chief Minister Shah paid tribute to her legacy, emphasizing that inclusivity, accessibility, and dignity are fundamental rights, not privileges. “While we have achieved much, there is still a long way to go,” he said, expressing gratitude to partner organizations for bridging gaps and stressing the importance of their continued collaboration for sustainable change.

Key Initiatives

Chief Minister Shah announced several measures to enhance support for persons with disabilities. The DEPD’s budget for the upcoming financial year will be increased to Rs. 800 million, doubling the current allocation. Additionally, 20 new centers for persons with disabilities have been established in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, while the capacity of 15 existing centers has been enhanced. Transport support, including pick-and-drop facilities, has been provided to 66 centers across the province.

By the end of 2025, 12 Child Rehabilitation Centers (CRTs) will be fully operational, with the goal of establishing at least one center in every district. The CRT in Larkana is set to be inaugurated this year, while the Shaheed Benazirabad center has already registered 25 children. Following President Asif Ali Zardari’s directive, a new CRT will also be established in Mirpurkhas.

To promote inclusive education, a dedicated directorate has been set up to ensure the admission of children with disabilities into mainstream schools, supported by a specialized curriculum. Chief Minister Shah also directed that all government buildings must have wheelchair ramps, noting that the Chief Minister’s House is now fully wheelchair-accessible.