Murad inaugurates Rehabilitation Centre for Children with Disabilities • Sindh govt to run HESCO, SEPCO through PPP model • Sindh must have representation in K-Electric management KARACHI (June 3): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated `The Centre for Rehabilitation of Children with Physical and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities’ - a joint effort between the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) and the Sindh government through its Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD). “This Centre stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to our collective commitment to support children facing physical and neurodevelopmental challenges, including conditions such as autism and Down syndrome, the CM said. He added, “Our vision is clear- to provide these children with the care, therapies, and opportunities they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.” He was talking to the media just after inaugurating a rehabilitation centre for children with physical and neurodevelopmental disabilities today. The event was attended by the Secretary Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Taha Ahmed Farooqi, and Special Assistant Rajveer Singh Sodha Tunio, Consul General of Germany Dr Rüdiger Lotz, Global Health Advisor GLRA Germany Dr. Anil Fastino, CEO MALC Mervyn Francis, Vice President of the MALC Governing Board, Anwarul Haq Haidri, Treasurer Azeem Hussain Siddiqui, and Board Member Abid Hussain. Murad Shah said that under one roof, this Centre offers a comprehensive and fully integrated range of services, delivered by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of professionals. These services include Physiotherapy: a customised program designed to enhance mobility and physical development. Speech Therapy Interventions are aimed at improving communication and language skills. Remedial Therapy is specialised educational support to foster cognitive and academic growth. Behavioural Therapy- Positive behavioural interventions to promote adaptive functioning. Occupational Therapy in which focuses on daily living skills and sensory integration. Sensory Room, where a therapeutic environment is designed for sensory regulation and exploration. Paediatrician Services under which medical assessments and ongoing developmental care to monitor and support children’s health. Special Play Area, which is an inclusive play space equipped with adaptive equipment and supervised by experts. Audiometry Services are meant for warly detection and management of hearing impairments to ensure timely intervention. The CM toured various sections of the centre, witnessed the facilities developed there and interacted with the childfren. Media talk: Talking to the media, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said, “This centre will provide treatment for both mental and physical health conditions. CRPD centres are effectively supporting DEPD initiatives by the Sindh government.” He noted that on the very first day, 50 children had already been admitted to the centre. Mr Shah praised the MALC’s efforts in combating leprosy and highlighted the newly established major rehabilitation centre along Shahrah-e-Bhutto, capable of treating thousands of children simultaneously. He further added that rehabilitation centres have been set up in Karachi, Gambat, Larkana, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Nawabshah. The Chief Minister announced plans to establish similar rehabilitation centres for special children in various cities across Sindh. Inclusive City: The CM said that we have allocated 100 acres of reclaimed land near the Malir Expressway in Karachi to establish Inclusive City, dedicated to persons with disabilities. “This Inclusive City will provide a comprehensive environment with inclusive schools, rehabilitation complexes, vocational training centres, a general hospital, a neuropsychiatry ward, and residential facilities for persons with disabilities who need care and support,” he said. Included in this project is a 20-acre park designed for children with special needs to play joyfully and safely, as well as a large building to house welfare organisations. “This city will be a model of accessibility, dignity, and opportunity, enabling persons with disabilities to live independently and contribute fully to society,” the CM said. Murad Shah said that the Inclusive City reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their physical or developmental challenges, has access to education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and vocational opportunities, all within a supportive and enabling environment. The success of these initiatives is a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration-bringing together the expertise, resources, and dedication of MALC, DEPD/the Government of Sindh. Recalling the services of Dr. Ruth Pfau, Mr Shah said, “She established the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre (MALC) in 1962, and her contributions in the fight against leprosy are highly commendable.” The Chief Minister invited all individuals who have the passion to serve humanity to join hands with the government and assured full support to MALC centres from the Sindh Government. Upcoming Budget: To a question, the CM said that the provincial budget will be presented on June 13, 2025. “Agriculture will be a key focus in the upcoming budget,” he said. Presentation in KE Board: The CM emphasised that there must be representation from the province in the management of K-Electric and other power distribution entities, stating that “this is essential for ensuring that the consumers within the province benefit directly.” He added, “While electricity distribution is constitutionally a provincial responsibility, it has always been managed by the federal government.” Speaking on plans, Murad Shah said, “We want to run HESCO and SEPCO through a public-private partnership model.” He acknowledged the importance of efficiency, stating, “We are aware that technically sound firms are needed to operate such services effectively.” “We are currently in discussions with the federal government on this matter,” he confirmed, adding that “although our work is ongoing, it will take time to see results.” The chief minister raised concerns over poor decision-making by power distribution companies, warning that “such decisions can lead to law and order issues, for which the provincial government is held accountable.”