Karachi’s Role Vital to Pakistan’s Future, Says Education Minister at KU Conference on Disability Inclusion

“Karachi drives Pakistan forward. When this city

moves, whole country moves,” said Dr Siddiqui

at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium

Staff Reporter

Karachi: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, emphasized the central role of Karachi in Pakistan’s progress during a conference titled “The Role of Professional Social Workers for Persons with Disabilities” held at the University of Karachi on Monday.

Karachi is the pulse of Pakistan
“Karachi drives Pakistan forward. When this city moves, the whole country moves,” said Dr Siddiqui, addressing the gathering at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium. He called the University of Karachi “the intellectual and social nucleus of the city.”

From global promise to UN intervention
Reflecting on the city’s past, he recalled that Karachi was ranked among the world’s top 10 emerging cities in 2008. “Today, it’s heartbreaking that the United Nations is stepping in to help make Karachi livable again,” he remarked.

Education and representation for all
Dr Siddiqui pointed out that while feudal lords represent farmers and capitalists represent workers, Karachi empowers the common citizen to have a voice in power structures. He announced plans to establish more federal universities in the city, noting that three have already been launched, and praised the opening of Hyderabad’s first university in 77 years.

True disability lies in moral decay
“The greatest disability is accepting slavery, dishonesty, greed, and corruption,” he said, congratulating the audience on the month of independence and reminding them of the sacrifices that led to Pakistan’s creation.

KU Vice Chancellor commits to inclusive education
University of Karachi Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi highlighted the barriers faced by persons with disabilities, including weak infrastructure, public attitudes, and lack of policy. He announced full tuition waivers and expanded academic, physical, and psychological support for disabled students, saying, “Social progress is impossible without giving every citizen their due place.”

Speakers call for policy reform and representation
Former Member of National Assembly Kishwar Zehra urged students to advocate for legislation protecting disability rights. “Serving humanity is a path to divine approval,” she noted. Dr Samina Saeed, Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, said disability must be seen as a different way of life, not a weakness. “Recognition, not sympathy, is the need.”

Professional social workers key to sustainable change
Chairperson of the Social Work Department, Dr Muhammad Nadeemullah, concluded that professional social workers are essential for designing inclusive solutions, working not only with individuals but also with institutions and communities to drive sustainable progress.