23/10/2025
Unveiling Ceremony of the “Inclusive Braille Qaida” in Karachi — Sindh Minister for Education Syed Sardar Ali Shah Attends as Chief Guest
“Education is the fundamental right of every child, regardless of any physical limitation or challenge they may face.” — Syed Sardar Ali Shah
Karachi (October 23, 2025): An event titled “Education for All” was held at a local hotel in Karachi, jointly organized by Boltey Haroof and Benai Welfare Association. Sindh Minister for Education Syed Sardar Ali Shah attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
During the event, the “Inclusive Braille Qaida” was formally launched — a learning guide developed for blind and visually impaired students. The Qaida is designed to be read through the sense of touch, enabling children to learn the Holy Qur’an and basic religious education. Being the first initiative of its kind in Pakistan, it was hailed as a significant step toward promoting equal educational opportunities and inclusive learning for students with disabilities.
The event was attended by Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) Mr. Taha Ahmed Farooqui, representatives from the National Bank of Pakistan, various educational institutions, NGOs, and over 150 participants, including education experts.
In his address, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said, “Education is the fundamental right of every child, whether they face physical, auditory, or visual challenges. The Sindh government strongly believes in the principle of inclusive education.”
He further stated that “Sindh is the first province to introduce the Transgender Education Policy. The government believes in recognizing, accepting, and empowering every individual, regardless of their differences. A clear strategy is also being developed to ensure education for children with special needs.”
The minister announced that a Special Secretary-level officer would be appointed in the School Education Department to specifically oversee matters of Inclusive Education, ensuring that the issues faced by children with special needs are addressed and that government initiatives are effectively implemented.
Expressing concern over the federal government’s lack of seriousness regarding disability statistics, Syed Sardar Ali Shah said, “According to the national census, only 3 percent of the population is identified as persons with disabilities, whereas the World Bank and other independent sources estimate the figure to be around 12 percent. Without accurate data, we cannot formulate accurate policies.”
He added that many physical and mental challenges in children are caused by nutritional deficiencies, stressing the need to focus on addressing these underlying causes.
Participants at the ceremony praised the Sindh government’s initiatives for improving the lives of persons with disabilities. The event concluded with tributes to Boltey Haroof, Benai Welfare Association, Connect Hear, and other organizations for their valuable contributions.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari ConnectHear
