CM Murad Ali Shah distributes Rs. 400 m to 56 Partner Organisations for empowering persons with disabilities

CM Murad Ali Shah distributes Rs. 400 m to 56 Partner Organisations for empowering persons with disabilities

KARACHI (June 27): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowered society by announcing Rs 400 million in financial assistance for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Addressing the Rs 400 million cheque distribution event, organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), at the CM's office, Murad Ali Shah emphasised the importance of sustainable partnerships, access to assistive technologies, inclusive education, and equal employment opportunities as central priorities of the provincial government.

Provincial ministers, Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Riaz Shah Sheerazi, Zia Lanjar, haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Shahid Thahim, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Senator Waqar Mehdi, and Special Assistants Syed Qasim Naveed and Sarfaraz Rajar, along with Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, DEPD Secretary Taha Farooqui, other provincial secretaries, and representatives of partner organisations working on disability rights also attended the event.

The Chief Minister distributed cheques to 56 partner organisations, part of a Rs 400 million financial assistance package aimed at improving the lives of PWDs, with the funds already transferred to recipients’ accounts. “Assistive technologies like wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and communication tools are not just devices - they represent independence, dignity, and opportunity,” said the CM. “We are building a society where no one is left behind,” he added. Special children performed moving tableaux, including one paying tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces. Artwork created by these children, featuring portraits of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the Chief Minister, was displayed on stage and subsequently gifted to the chief minister.

Murad Shah announced various initiatives and developments, including a Budget Expansion. “The DEPD’s budget for the next fiscal year has been increased to Rs 800 million,” the CM said. He added that 20 new centres for persons with disabilities have been established in partnership with NGOs.

The CM stated that the capacity of 15 existing centres has been enhanced, and Transportation Support has been extended for the pick-and-drop facility at 66 centres. He further mentioned that 12 autism centres will be operational by the end of the year and that his government plans to establish at least one centre in every district.

Regarding CRTS, the chief minister said that the CRTS Centre in Larkana will be inaugurated this year; 25 children have already been registered at the Shaheed Benazirabad Centre. A new CRTS Centre will be established in Mirpurkhas as per the directive of President Asif Zardari. The CM, speaking about Inclusive Education, said that a separate directorate has been created to ensure the enrolment of children with disabilities in mainstream schools. A specialised curriculum has also been developed.

The Chief Minister declared that the event was dedicated to the memory of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who, he said, “sacrificed her life to protect democracy.” He also directed that all government buildings must have wheelchair ramps, adding, “The CM House is now fully wheelchair accessible.”

Mr Shah acknowledged that while much has been done, “a lot more remains.” He credited the partner organisations for filling crucial gaps and emphasised that their continued cooperation is vital for achieving lasting change.

“Inclusion, accessibility, and dignity are not privileges-they are rights. With our partners, we aim to build a better, more compassionate society,” the Chief Minister concluded.