ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on December 19 directed that the Autism Centre of Excellence being established in the federal capital be completed within one year instead of two and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to provide world-class education, therapy and vocational facilities to children with special needs.
Addressing the foundation-laying ceremony, the prime minister said special children were the children of the nation and that it was the state’s collective responsibility to equip them with skills, modern technology and training so they can stand on their own feet and become active members of the society.
The PM emphasised that where a child may lack one faculty, “Allah Almighty has blessed them with many others,” urging institutions to nurture these abilities through quality education and care.
The prime minister announced the provision of 15 coasters to ensure smooth transportation for special children to and from the centre, and called upon philanthropists and public institutions, including Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, to contribute generously to the initiative.
The prime minister congratulated parents and teachers for their perseverance, thanked the Ministry of Education and project team, and reiterated that supporting special children is both a moral duty and a national investment.
Earlier, the prime minister was briefed on the project and toured various departments planned for the Autism Centre of Excellence.
Federal Minister for Education, Dr. Khalid Maqood Siddiqui termed the day a transformation of national intent into a national institution, expressing confidence that the centre would launch a new mission for inclusive education and talent development.
He pledged close coordination with the Ministry of Education to meet the revised one-year completion timeline set by the prime minister. Retired Capt Asif Iqbal, Director-General Special Education, welcomed the prime minister and highlighted ongoing services at national special education institutions, noting that around 700 students from diverse backgrounds were currently enrolled from kindergarten to graduation.
Students of the National Education Centre for Hearing-Impaired Children presented the national anthem in Pakistan Sign Language. Special segment of the event featured performances by students with disabilities, including Master Fawad, a visually impaired student with exceptional hearing, whose rubab performance drew appreciation from the audience.
The hearing impaired children also presented the national anthem in sign language. Sharing a personal journey, Ayesha Haroon, Founder of Oasis School and an advocate for autism and neurodivergent children, spoke about establishing a structured, non-profit model offering integrated services ranging from speech and occupational therapy to vocational training aimed at independence, safety and dignity for special children.
She offered to share institutional learning with government bodies seeking to replicate such models nationwide.
Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2025.
