ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the Autism Centre of Excellence in Islamabad will be completed within one year, reducing the original timeline by half.
He made the announcement while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Centre of Excellence for Autism at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Developmental Disorders. The prime minister said children with special needs are “the children of the nation” and supporting them is the state’s responsibility.
PM Shehbaz said the government will provide modern education, skills, training, and technology to help these children live independent lives. He added that every child has special abilities and institutions should help develop these talents through quality care and education.
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To support families, the prime minister announced that 15 minibuses will be provided to ensure easy transport for special children travelling to and from the centre. He also called on philanthropists and public welfare bodies, including Pakistan Baitul Maal, to contribute to the project.
He thanked parents, teachers, and the Ministry of Education for their efforts, saying support for special children is both a moral duty and a national investment.
Earlier, the prime minister was briefed on the project and visited different sections planned for the Autism Centre of Excellence, which will address various developmental needs and promote inclusive education in Pakistan.
Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui called the project a major step towards inclusive education. He said the ministry will ensure the centre is completed within the one-year deadline set by the prime minister.
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Director-General of Special Education Asif Iqbal informed the prime minister that around 700 students are currently enrolled in national special education institutions, from nursery to graduation level.
The event also included performances by students with disabilities. A visually impaired student, Master Fawad, received applause for his rubab performance. Students from the National Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children presented the national anthem in Pakistan Sign Language.
Ayesha Haroon, founder of Oasis School, also spoke at the ceremony. She shared her experience of providing services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational training to help special children live with independence, safety, and dignity.
