Fri, September 18, 2026
Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the provision of 48 new buses for the education and welfare of special children, inclusion in the Himmat Card program, and the hiring of autism experts from around the world.
In an important meeting on special education chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, it was revealed that for the first time in Punjab’s history, a new record of over 5,000 admissions of special children has been achieved in a very short period. The Chief Minister praised Special Assistant Sania Ashiq and her team for their outstanding performance.
It was decided that the Maryam Nawaz Autism School will provide free therapy and education to underprivileged children, with services of the best experts sourced globally. A principal decision was also made to include special children in the Himmat Card program.
Additionally, approval was given for the provision of 48 new buses for special education centers and for uniforms and designs for the children, teachers, and staff of the autism school. A 13-member Board of Governors was formed, and a three-year strategic plan for the Autism Resource Center was approved.
Special Assistant Sania Ashiq stated that a customized curriculum is being implemented at the school, covering communication, life skills, Islamic and moral education, technology, physical education, and sociology. Pakistan’s first autism school will also feature facilities such as an open gym, walking track, sensory garden, and sound therapy centers, admitting children aged 3 to 16 years.
For child safety, CCTV cameras will be installed in the autism school, and Children Welfare Officers will monitor the students. A research and teacher training division will also be established to provide advanced training to teachers through master trainers, along with one-year diploma and certificate programs. These initiatives are expected to mark a historic milestone in Punjab’s special education sector.
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