Najam Khan
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI) in Korangi, calling it the country’s largest facility of its kind, while also warning that Pakistan could face a wheat shortage unless an agricultural emergency is implemented.
Disability inclusion initiative
The centre, established by the provincial Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in partnership with NOWPDP, spans 34,000 square feet and includes a wheelchair manufacturing unit, IT and textile training labs, industrial stitching facilities, packaging workshops, and culinary and beautician training programmes.
“This centre is a landmark step for empowering differently-abled persons. It will provide vocational training, economic independence, and dignified employment opportunities,” Shah said during his visit.
He toured the facility, interacting with children with hearing and visual impairments, women in beautician training, and youth engaged in cooking and textile manufacturing. He praised their skills, adding, “These children and young people will make Pakistan proud.”
During the visit, differently-abled persons requested driving licences for those trained to operate rickshaws. The chief minister directed the DIG Driving License Branch to conduct on-site tests and issue licences to qualified applicants. He also briefly rode in a rickshaw driven by a trainee, saying, “They are good drivers.”
Agriculture and flood response
Shah also addressed the plight of flood-hit farmers, stressing that the government had prepared a relief package under the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He welcomed the federal government’s decision to declare an agricultural emergency and seek UN assistance.
He warned that without immediate steps, wheat shortages could emerge by early 2026. “Last year, because farmers were denied fair prices, wheat output dropped by 20 per cent. If this trend continues, the crisis will deepen,” he said.
On the flood situation, Shah noted that peak flows at Guddu Barrage had begun to recede, while Sukkur remained high and Kotri was expected to receive peak flows in the coming week. He said protective embankments, including KK Bund and Shank Bund, were safe.
Law and order, governance, and NFC
The chief minister said police operations against bandits in the Katcha areas had begun before the floods and were continuing. On financial matters, he underlined the role of the National Finance Commission under Article 160 of the Constitution, adding that agricultural taxation could not be abolished but would be reviewed to balance state revenue and farmer relief.
He also acknowledged Karachi’s fragmented governance, with multiple civic authorities operating independently. “Despite this fragmentation, the responsibility lies with us, the government, and we will resolve the city’s problems,” he said.
Inclusive development
Shah concluded by reiterating his government’s priorities: strengthening law and order, supporting farmers, and promoting inclusion. “This is only the beginning. Together, we will build a brighter future for the coming generations,” he said.
