Sindh Government to Build an 80-Acre Complex for Persons with Disabilities: Minister Nasir Hussain Shah
Karachi, Web Desk: Sindh’s Minister for Energy, Development, and Planning, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, announced the provincial government’s plan to construct an 80-acre city complex for persons with disabilities. Speaking at a provincial conference on disability rights, he highlighted that Sindh has implemented the most extensive legislation in Pakistan for the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He credited this progress to the vision of Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stating that Sindh has outperformed other provinces in supporting differently-abled individuals. Shah revealed that over 900,000 persons with disabilities are registered in Sindh and emphasized the need for establishing shelter homes in all divisions, suggesting their inclusion in the upcoming budget.
The minister assured that job opportunities are being provided for persons with disabilities, with implementation of quotas in private institutions, especially in Sukkur. He also addressed issues related to fraudulent disability certificates, pledging reforms to improve transparency. The government is working to streamline processes by eliminating unnecessary hurdles in the one-window operation, including removing the lack of cooperation from NADRA and other agencies.
Shah disclosed that NGOs working for the welfare of persons with disabilities are receiving grants worth 2 billion PKR. “We are moving towards improvement but need to do more,” he remarked. He acknowledged the federal government’s recognition of Sindh’s efforts in this regard.
Expressing full support for the conference’s recommendations, Shah committed to advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in provincial and national assemblies. He also stressed the need for creating dedicated wings to foster collaboration between government departments and organizations representing persons with disabilities.
He commended Sharjeel Memon for utilizing social media to raise awareness and proposed leveraging digital platforms to address public grievances effectively. Shah assured that the Sindh government is dedicated to resolving all issues faced by the community.
During the conference, Abid Lashari, President of NDF Pakistan, presented a resolution, prompting Shah to implement a 1% representation quota for persons with disabilities in municipal bodies. This initiative has already begun, with representatives actively participating in various municipal councils.
The minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.