HYDERABAD: 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), launched in collaboration with the provincial government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), extending specialized support services for individuals with Down syndrome to communities across interior Sindh. The newly established center – KDSP’s sixth chapter nationwide and fourth in Sindh – is 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.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Minister Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Mayor Hyderabad Kashif Shoro, Deputy Mayor Sagheer, and members of the Pakistan Peoples Party. Secretary DEPD Tauha Farooqui and his team were also present. During the event, the chief minister highlighted that the establishment of the Hyderabad center fulfilled a commitment made during the inauguration of KDSP’s North Nazimabad facility in July 2025, stemming from a parent’s request for a similar center in Hyderabad.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized the significance of local recruitment for the center’s administrative and operational staff, reinforcing community ownership and effective service delivery. He also announced plans to establish additional divisional centers in Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mirpurkhas to broaden the program’s reach across the province. The chief minister praised the ongoing efforts of KDSP and DEPD in supporting individuals with Down syndrome, reiterating the Sindh government’s policy of providing equal opportunities to all societal segments and prioritizing inclusion and accessibility.
The Hyderabad center has already registered over 120 families, demonstrating a strong demand for specialized services and confidence in KDSP’s model. The facility currently accommodates 65 children and has the capacity to support up to 300, with plans for future expansion in the works. The inauguration event included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a guided tour of the facility led by KDSP CEO Tabish Shahzad and Co-Founder and Chairman Ali Allawala. The chief minister was briefed on key programs offered, including early childhood intervention, healthcare, education, skills development, and family support.
The event concluded with reaffirmations of commitment from all stakeholders to continue striving for a more inclusive Sindh, ensuring opportunities for every individual regardless of ability. Founded in 2014, KDSP has become a leading organization in providing support, awareness, healthcare, education, and skills development for individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on inclusion, independence, and dignity.