Islamabad, Feb 3: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled plans for the establishment of Pakistan’s first government-run autism school in Lahore, a significant step in alleviating the financial burden on families of children with autism. The school, currently in its final stages of construction, is expected to offer free treatment and services to children with autism and is set to be completed within a year.
During a meeting on the initiative, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of providing better educational opportunities for children with special needs. “Special children are our special heroes,” she stated, reaffirming her commitment to enhancing special education services across the province. She also highlighted the ongoing efforts, such as the establishment of 10 autism units in various special education institutions across Punjab, which aim to provide specialized support for children with autism.
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In addition to the autism school, the government has distributed 9,206 assistive devices to special students, including hearing aids, wheelchairs, crutches, and white canes, to ensure better access to education and mobility. The chief minister was also briefed on the ongoing efforts to strengthen Punjab’s special education system, which include the upgrading of 35 schools and the transformation of 28 special education schools into centers of excellence.
A specialized curriculum for children with disabilities, including a version of the Holy Quran for hearing-impaired students, has been developed. Furthermore, vocational skill-based courses are in the pipeline, along with a job fair in collaboration with private institutions to create employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals. To date, 900 students have been registered under these initiatives, with 25 already securing jobs. Additionally, 14 students have successfully completed the first batch of the Special Education Vocational Matriculation program.
As part of the broader efforts to improve the special education sector, a School Information System and a smart monitoring app are being developed. Notably, 586 students from special education centers have transitioned into regular schools, and eight new special school buildings have been completed, with approvals for the construction of nine more. The first grand sports gala for special students is also in the works to celebrate their achievements.
Maryam Nawaz’s announcements mark a significant step toward creating a more inclusive education system in Punjab, focusing on the needs of children with disabilities and offering them opportunities to thrive both in academics and beyond.
