Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced plans to build a park in Clifton Block-5 designed specifically for children with disabilities. He made this announcement during his visit to the UJALA Centre on World Children’s Day.
The park will include wheelchair-accessible pathways, sensory play areas, and other features tailored for children with physical and developmental disabilities, according to Pak Observer. Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusivity, saying, “Every child deserves equal opportunities to thrive.”
During the visit, the CM was briefed on the upcoming UJALA-II project, a collaboration between the Department of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and UJALA Centre, led by Yakoob Zakria. This project, covering 400 square yards in Defence Phase-8, will offer specialized education and therapy services for children with autism and related conditions. Shah urged consultants to reduce the project’s timeline from three years to two.
The CM also met parents of children with autism, who shared challenges such as social stigma, limited access to therapy and education, and a lack of inclusive recreational spaces. In response, Shah instructed DEPD Secretary Taha Farooqi to address these issues and report progress. He also directed Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab to speed up work on the inclusive park in Clifton.
Additionally, Shah highlighted the Sindh Government’s Inclusive City project, which aims to make urban spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. This initiative focuses on improving public infrastructure, transportation, and raising awareness about diversity and inclusion.
The visit reflected Shah’s commitment to an inclusive Sindh, with projects like the Clifton park and UJALA-II representing efforts to empower children with special needs. “An inclusive Sindh is a prosperous Sindh,” Shah said, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in building a better future.