HYDERABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the Hyderabad chapter of the Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP) expanding specialised support services for individuals with Down syndrome across the province.
Launched with the support of the Sindh government’s Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), the new facility is the sixth KDSP centre nationwide and fourth in Sindh.
It is expected to serve families not only in Hyderabad but also in nearby districts including Sanghar, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Dadu and Nawabshah, ensuring access to essential care closer to underserved communities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro, Deputy Mayor Sagheer, members of the Pakistan Peoples Party, DEPD Secretary Taha Farooqi and his team members.
Addressing the ceremony, the CM said the establishment of the Hyderabad Down syndrome centre fulfilled a commitment made during the inauguration of the KDSP’s North Nazimabad facility in July 2025.
He noted that the initiative was prompted by a request from a parent seeking similar services in Hyderabad, upon which immediate action was taken. “This is a matter of pride that we have fulfilled our promise in a short span of time,” he said, adding that the new centre would offer facilities comparable to those in Karachi.
Shah highlighted that administrative and operational staff for the centre have been recruited from the local population, strengthening community engagement. He also announced plans to establish similar centres in Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad and Mirpurkhas.
Commending the KDSP and DEPD for their efforts, he reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to all segments of society, emphasising inclusion and accessibility as key priorities.
The CM shared that 65 children had already been enrolled at the Hyderabad centre that had a capacity to serve up to 300 children. He directed the Hyderabad mayor to identify additional space for future expansion of the facility
KDSP Chief Executive Officer Tabish Shehzad and Co-founder and Chairman Ali Allahwala gave the CM a tour of the centre briefing him on its key programmes, including early childhood intervention, health care, education, skill development, and family support services.
The ceremony also featured a testimonial from a parent highlighting the program’s impact. Other speakers emphasised the importance of partnerships and community collaboration in promoting inclusion.
Reaffirming his commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and expanding services to underserved areas, the CM stressed that collaboration between government institutions and organisations like the KDSP was essential for building an inclusive and equitable society.
Established in 2014, the KDSP has emerged as a leading organisation providing support, awareness, healthcare, education, and skill development services for individuals with Down syndrome.
