Staff Reporter
Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities through skills development, education and employment, terming empowerment and independence a top policy priority.
Addressing the Graduation Ceremony 2024–25 of persons with disabilities under the Hunarmand Programme at NOWPDP centres in Korangi, the chief minister said the government’s focus was to create sustainable opportunities that enable individuals to live with dignity and actively contribute to society. The event was attended by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) Secretary Tauha Farooqui, NOWPDP President Amin Hashwani, CEO Omair Ahmed and other officials.
Skills training and employment gains
Murad Ali Shah said more than 65,000 persons with disabilities had directly benefited from government support over the past five years, while joint initiatives with NOWPDP had positively impacted over 325,000 individuals across Sindh. Under the Hunarmand Programme, more than 4,200 participants completed vocational training and over 1,700 secured employment across 22 industries.
He noted that one in every three graduates of the programme was a woman, highlighting the government’s emphasis on gender inclusion in training and job placement initiatives. “Our objective is to bring real improvement in their lives and empower them to play a positive role in society,” he said.
New centres and expanded outreach
The chief minister announced the establishment of 10 Centres of Excellence across Sindh’s divisions and said new skills development and employment facilities would be launched in Shaheed Benazirabad, Islamkot and Keamari to widen access to opportunities. He added that over 500 special children were currently enrolled in five special education schools, creating a pathway from education to employability.
He described the province’s public-private partnership model with organisations such as NOWPDP as key to scaling up inclusive programmes and converting pilot projects into long-term, system-level interventions.
Policy reforms and assistive support
Recalling institutional reforms, Mr Shah said the former Special Education Department was renamed the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2017 to adopt a more rights-based and inclusive approach. He also highlighted the government’s Assistive Devices Programme, under which around Rs700 million has been allocated this year to provide mobility and support equipment. Local institutions, including NED University, are involved in manufacturing devices domestically.
Inclusive city plan
The chief minister further announced plans for an “Inclusive City” near the Shaheed Bhutto Expressway, aimed at providing dedicated infrastructure and facilities for organisations working with persons with disabilities. He expressed hope that the project would be completed during the current government’s tenure.
Congratulating the graduates and their families, Mr Shah praised their resilience and determination. “Every individual has limitations. Our responsibility is to create opportunities that help persons with disabilities lead fuller, independent lives,” he said, before distributing awards and certificates at the ceremony.
