Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on World Autism Awareness Day that the Sindh government has established nine active autism support centers across the province, providing free services and treatment, and is committed to further expanding this network.
In his message today, the Chief Minister emphasized that autism is a neurological condition, not a disease, and described it as “a different way of life.”
Syed Murad Ali Shah stressed the need for social acceptance and inclusion for individuals with autism, stating that every life is precious and those with the condition are an important part of society.
He affirmed that his administration is committed to providing equal opportunities in education, health, and employment for all individuals with special needs, and said that protecting the rights of people with autism is a “collective responsibility.”
The Chief Minister added that an inclusive and compassionate society is a “guarantee of a strong future.”
Highlighting the government’s “significant initiatives” in this area, he described the Centre for Autism, Rehabilitation and Training, Sindh (C-ARTS) as the largest institution of its kind in Pakistan.
He mentioned that the first C-ARTS center was established by the Peoples Party government in 2018 in the Gulistan-e-Johar area of Karachi.
Currently, C-ARTS centers are active in Karachi, Korangi, Orangi, Hyderabad, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, and Nawabshah.
In these provincial centers, specialists provide free services including speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and occupational therapy.
According to the Chief Minister, the Sindh government intends to expand this model to more cities.
Reaffirming his government’s stance, Syed Murad Ali Shah said that it is the state’s duty to ensure the provision of equality, dignity, and opportunities for every individual.