Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the foundation of the Centre of Excellence for Autism at Islamabad’s Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Developmental Disorders, signaling a major step in improving services for children with special needs.
During the ceremony, the prime minister directed that the new Autism Centre be completed within a year rather than the originally planned two, highlighting the government’s commitment to offering top-tier education, therapy, and vocational opportunities for children with developmental challenges.
Addressing the attendees, PM Shehbaz emphasized that children with special needs are an integral part of the nation and it is the responsibility of the state to empower them with skills, modern technology, and professional training so they can lead independent lives and contribute actively to society.
“While a child may be limited in one aspect, Allah Almighty has blessed them with many other talents,” he said, urging institutions to foster these abilities through quality care and education.
The prime minister also announced the provision of 15 coasters to ensure safe and convenient transport for the children attending the centre.
PM Shehbaz appealed to philanthropists and public bodies, including Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, to generously support this initiative.
Congratulating parents and educators for their dedication, he thanked the Ministry of Education and the project team, reaffirming that helping children with special needs is both a moral duty and an investment in the nation’s future.
Before the official proceedings, PM Shehbaz Sharif received a briefing on the project and toured various planned departments of the Autism Centre of Excellence.
Federal Minister for Education, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, described the day as the realization of a national vision, expressing confidence that the centre would launch a new era of inclusive education and skill development. He assured full cooperation with the Ministry of Education to meet the prime minister’s one-year completion target.
Director-General of Special Education, Captain (R) Asif Iqbal welcomed the prime minister and highlighted the ongoing work of national special education institutions, noting that approximately 700 students, spanning kindergarten to university levels, are currently enrolled.
The event featured heartfelt performances by students with disabilities. Students from the National Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children presented the national anthem in Pakistan Sign Language.
Master Fawad, a visually impaired student with extraordinary hearing abilities, impressed the audience with his rubab performance, while other hearing-impaired students also showcased the national anthem in sign language.
Ayesha Haroon, founder of Oasis School and an advocate for autism and neurodivergent children, shared her journey of establishing a structured non-profit model that provides integrated services, including speech and occupational therapy as well as vocational training, aimed at fostering independence, safety, and dignity for children with special needs.
She offered to share her institutional knowledge with government bodies interested in replicating such models nationwide.