Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced the initiation of an ambitious project to create an Inclusive City dedicated to differently-abled individuals, set to begin construction by December 2024. This city aims to integrate essential facilities tailored specifically for the differently-abled, allowing them full participation in society.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the directive was given during a meeting at the CM House, which saw the participation of Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, Secretary Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) Tauha Farooqi, among other officials. The Chief Minister emphasized that the Inclusive City would be developed through a company established under the Companies Act 2017 and has urged the identification of reputable private sector leaders to assist in managing the company and the city’s facilities.

The Inclusive City, sprawling over 80 acres of land reclaimed from the Malir Expressway project, will feature a comprehensive range of facilities. These include an Inclusive School, a Special Education and Rehabilitation Complex, and a Vocational Training Centre spread over 15 acres. It will also house a General Hospital, a Neuropsychiatry Ward, and an Institute of Clinical Psychology on another 15 acres. Additionally, the plan includes a Residential Facility for Persons with Disabilities, a Special Children Park covering 40 acres, and the DEPD Office Complex on five acres.

CM Shah has tasked Secretary DEPD with the swift registration of the company to pave the way for laying the foundation in December, marking a significant step towards the rapid development of this inclusive urban space.