CM Sindh inaugurates Down syndrome's center in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) In a major stride toward inclusive social development, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Hyderabad chapter of the Karachi Down Syndrome Programme (KDSP) on Thursday.

Addressing the ceremony, the CM said the new centre fulfilled a commitment which he had made during the inauguration of KDSP’s North Nazimabad facility in July, 2025.

He recalled that a parent had requested a similar centre in Hyderabad, prompting him to direct immediate action.

"It's a matter of pride that in a short span of time we have delivered on that promise," he said, adding that the new centre would provide services comparable to those available in Karachi.

Shah informed that the centre’s administrative and operational staff had been recruited locally in order to strengthen the community's ownership and to ensure effective service delivery.

He also announced plans to establish similar divisional centres in Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad and Mirpurkhas to further expand outreach across the province.

The CM appreciated the efforts of KDSP and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) for their continued work in supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

"The Sindh government's policy is to provide equal opportunities to all segments of society," he underlined.

He shared that 65 children had already been registered at the Hyderabad centre, which had the capacity to accommodate up to 300 children.

Shah directed the Mayor of Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) Kashif Ali Shoro to identify additional space for future expansion.

He believed that collaborative efforts between government institutions and organisations like KDSP were essential to building an inclusive and equitable society.

Earlier, the CM unveiled a commemorative plaque and performed ribbon-cutting, followed by a guided tour of the facility led by KDSP CEO Tabish Shahzad and Co-Founder and Chairman Ali Allawala.

He was briefed on key programmes, including early childhood intervention, healthcare, education, skills development and family support.

The formal proceedings included the national anthem, welcome remarks by the KDSP CEO, a keynote address by the organisation’s leadership, and a parent testimonial highlighting the impact of such services.

The speakers at the event underscored the importance of partnerships and community support in advancing inclusion.

The newly established center is KDSP’s sixth chapter nationwide and fourth in Sindh.

According to the center's officials, it was expected to serve families not only in Hyderabad but also in surrounding districts including Sanghar, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Dadu and Nawabshah, bringing essential care closer to underserved communities.

The Sindh Minister Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Mayor Shoro, Deputy Mayor Sagheer Ahmed and PPP MPAs and notables besides Secretary DEPD Tauha Farooqui and his team also attended the event.

APP/zmb/