Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that Pakistan’s first government-run autism school, currently in the final stages of construction in Lahore, will help alleviate the financial burden on parents of children with autism.
She said that the rehabilitation of special children aims to make them productive and contributing members of society. The school will provide free treatment for children with autism and is set to be completed within a record time of one year.
The Chief Minister further said that 10 autism units have already been established in various special educational institutions across Punjab. Moreover, efforts to provide specialized educational facilities for children with autism are already underway.
To ensure the successful completion of the autism school project, she assigned SACM Sania Ashiq to oversee its construction.
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During a briefing, authorities informed the Chief Minister that 9,206 assistive devices have been distributed among special students. These include 7,702 hearing aids, 360 wheelchairs, 300 walkers, 344 crutches, and 500 white canes.
Furthermore, officials apprised her that 35 schools have been upgraded from middle to secondary level, while primary schools have been elevated to middle level to enhance Punjab’s special education system.
