Disability is not a limitation but a valuable aspect of humanity’s diversity: CM Murad Ali Shah

Disability is not a limitation but a valuable aspect of humanity’s diversity: CM Murad Ali Shah

• Govt to promote inclusive education, make public spaces, transport facilities
• Employment opportunities for special children be created
KARACHI (Aug 13): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced that his government will further promote inclusive education, expand the network of accessible schools and special centres, make public spaces and transport facilities more accessible, and increase opportunities in health, technology, and employment for persons with disabilities.
He made this statement on Wednesday while delivering a heartfelt address celebrating inclusivity, equality, and human dignity at the Grand Festival for Special Children, organised by the DEPD at Al-Noor Park, Clifton. The event was attended by provincial Ministers Zulfiqar Shah, Riaz Shah Shirazi, Senator Waqar Mehdi, Secretary DEPD Tauha Farooqi, Special Assistant Saleem Baloch, provincial secretaries Fayaz Jatoi, Sohail Qureshi, Khair Muhammad, and other officials.
CM Murad Shah described the smiles of special children and the colourful atmosphere as `heart-captivating,’ calling the children `Sindh’s shining stars and an endless source of inspiration.’ He said the festival symbolised the province’s commitment to inclusivity, equality, and respect for every individual. “Today is not merely a celebration but a declaration of Sindh’s resolve,” he said, adding that the 1973 Constitution, a result of the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, guarantees equality and welfare for all citizens.
Mr Shah highlighted Articles 25 and 38 as protectors of the rights of persons with disabilities and reaffirmed the state’s obligation to ensure their well-being. Murad Shah announced that the provincial government will further promote inclusive education, expand the network of accessible schools and special centres, make public spaces and transport facilities more accessible, and increase opportunities in health, technology, and employment for persons with disabilities. “Disability is not a limitation but a valuable aspect of humanity’s diversity,” the CM remarked, praising the resilience, patience, and abilities of special children and their families.
The CM also lauded the efforts of DAPD, NGOs, and the Department for Special Persons for organising the festival, which featured 87 stalls showcasing the talents and skills of special children.
Murad Ali Shah linked the spirit of the event with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, saying: “We gave India a defeat that rekindled our passion for freedom, and we have decided to mark 14 days of Independence celebrations.
Tomorrow, I will pay my respects at Mazar-e-Quaid.” Murad Shah pledged that the government will continue striving to serve the people of the province, ensure equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of ability, and turn Quaid-e-Azam’s dream into reality for every child and person in Pakistan.
Earlier, the chief minister visited stalls the different NGOs working for the cause of special children set up there. He mingled with differently-abled children, enjoyed the food items they had prepared and spent valuable time with them by hugging them, caring for them and taking selfies with them.