Sindh’s Education Minister today expressed grave concern over the federal government’s official statistics on disability, stating that a massive undercount is preventing the creation of effective policies for citizens with special needs. Syed Sardar Ali Shah highlighted that while the national census identifies only 3 percent of the population as having disabilities, estimates from the World Bank and independent organizations suggest the figure is closer to 12 percent.
The minister’s remarks were delivered at the ‘Education for All’ ceremony held at the Beach Luxury Hotel, where he was the chief guest. The event, organized by ‘Boltey Haroof’, ‘Benai Welfare Association’, and ‘Connect Hear’, celebrated the formal launch of the ‘Inclusive Braille Qaida,’ a pioneering tactile learning tool for blind and visually impaired students in Pakistan.
This innovative Qaida is designed as a tactile reading system to help children learn the fundamentals of the Holy Qur’an and other foundational educational material. The initiative is being hailed as a significant advancement in promoting equitable learning opportunities for students with disabilities across the country.
During his address, Syed Sardar Ali Shah reaffirmed the provincial government”s dedication to social inclusion. “Education is the fundamental right of every child, regardless of any physical or visual challenge,” he stated, reminding attendees that Sindh was the first province to introduce a Transgender Education Policy and is now developing a comprehensive framework for children with special requirements.
To further this commitment, the minister announced the appointment of a Special Secretary-level officer within the School Education Department. This new position will be responsible for overseeing all matters related to inclusive education and ensuring government measures for students with disabilities are implemented effectively.
The minister also pointed out that poor nutrition is a root cause behind many physical and cognitive impairments in children, suggesting a need to address the origins of disabilities. The gathering included Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) Mr. Taha Ahmed Farooqui, representatives from the National Bank of Pakistan, and over 150 participants from various NGOs and educational institutions.
Attendees at the function appreciated the minister”s presence, viewing it as a strong endorsement of the commitment to inclusive education. The ceremony concluded with a tribute to the significant contributions of the organizing welfare associations.