RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed Special Education department to prepare an annual calendar of extra curricular activities in collaboration with sports department for what he termed the ‘differently disabled’ children to bring them in the stream in different sectors of the society.

This, he said, while addressing a gathering organised to launch ‘Ability Expo 2017’ on Friday here at Expo Center.

He said that the purpose of arranging this event is to provide opportunities to the special people by bringing all the stakeholders under one platform. “Up till now, very limited efforts have been made to develop a strong linkage mechanism between the special persons, educational institutions and entrepreneurs,” he said and added “this event gives better coordination and an incentive mechanisms in addition to existing facilities,” and went on saying “it is an innovative approach to provide an opportunity for differently disabled to stand on their feet and lead a responsible life.”

The chief minister said that the world and its value system has traversed a long distance to cover and achieve the objectives of civilisation. “Gone are the days when strength and opulence of the society was considered to be the depiction of civilisation development,” he said and added “the world has crossed that narrow meaning of civilisation. Now presence of pragmatic supporting mechanism for vulnerable section of the society in a system has become the benchmark of social development”.

Syed Murad Ali Shah admitting and recognising the responsibility of his government vowed to provide better institutional framework for the differently disabled people. “It becomes our collective responsibility to look after the neglected and downtrodden sections of society,” he said and invited “let us resolve to defeat this mindset of inaction, neglect and contempt for this community by raising awareness and putting in our efforts to facilitate and bolster them.”

He vowed to provide maximum funds and support if schools and other activities are taken up.

Earlier, Robina Inam Founder member and Principal KVTC said that Abilities Expo is a platform for the largely marginalized disabled community of Pakistan. This annual event will be used to publicly voice and share their concerns, showcase their abilities and skills to the world, and find solutions readily available in Pakistan to their various special needs.