LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday inaugurated Pakistan’s first government-run School and Resource Center for Autism in Lahore, calling it “no less than a miracle.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said the state stands with special children like a mother and will continue its journey of development and service. She congratulated her team for establishing an international-standard autism center in just one year.
The center offers modern education, therapy, and rehabilitation services for autistic children. Maryam Nawaz emphasized that therapy can significantly improve the lives of autistic children and praised the courage of their parents, calling them “strong as a rock.”
To ensure accessibility, 70 buses have been arranged across Punjab for special children, enabling them to reach the center conveniently. The facility also provides expert training for parents, with foreign aid supporting therapist services.
During the visit, the chief minister toured all classrooms and therapy departments, including occupational, art, music, and speech therapy rooms. She observed Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes, pre-vocational training, computer labs, sand therapy areas, a sensory garden, and an open gym for autistic students.
The ceremony included emotional moments as parents shared their struggles. Komal, mother of autistic child Hamza, said her son had been confined within four walls for 13 years due to a lack of resources. She called the center a “ray of hope” for children and their families. Grandparents of autistic brothers Ali Haider and Muhammad Hassan also expressed gratitude, saying they could not afford treatment for both children before this initiative.
Maryam Nawaz personally interacted with the students, coloring in sketchbooks, attending music therapy sessions, and helping a child walk on the walking track. A special song was presented in her honor, and the children expressed joy and affection during the visit.
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The chief minister reiterated her commitment to supporting special children and their families, saying the state will continue to provide care and guidance. She called the center a fulfillment of a promise and a milestone in Punjab’s broader development and public service agenda.
