Karachi: First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari MNA and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today inaugurated Pakistan's first dedicated autism residential centre and Pakistan's first inclusive park at the Centre for Autism Rehabilitation & Training (C-ARTS) in Korangi, marking a major step towards strengthening support for persons with autism.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, C-ARTS was established in 2018 as the first autism centre in Pakistan to provide diagnosis, rehabilitation, education, skills training, and employment support for children with autism under one roof. It operates four centres in Karachi and others in Hyderabad, Gambat, Sukkur, Larkana, and Shaheed Benazirabad, offering free services including transport and stipends. The centre also provides parent training programmes and has a professional training centre.

During the briefing, the First Lady learned that the newly inaugurated residential facility will offer comprehensive care, respite services, rehabilitation, training, and long-term support in a safe and inclusive environment.

The First Lady was also briefed on the digitisation of C-ARTS services. The C-ARTS registration portal has gone live as part of Phase-I of the digitisation process, aiming to move towards a paper-free system and maintain a single digital record for each child.

The First Lady and the Sindh Chief Minister reaffirmed their commitment to empowering special persons, expanding inclusive education, and ensuring that every child has access to opportunities, dignity, and support.