Karachi, Pakistan: In a significant development aimed at transforming the education landscape for children with disabilities in Pakistan, the Sindh Cabinet has approved a five-year collaboration between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD) and the Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED). The Memorandum of Understanding for this initiative was signed at the Chief Minister House in Karachi.
According to the Aga Khan University, the partnership will focus on creating an Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit at AKU-IED. This unit will serve as a hub for training, research, and innovation, equipped with sensory rooms, therapy spaces, and resource centers. The project aims to train over 2,000 educators and reach approximately half a million school children in the next five years.
UNICEF estimates show that 96% of children with disabilities in Pakistan are currently out of school, with Sindh experiencing a large share of this challenge due to factors such as poverty, gender disparities, and limited accessibility. Overall, Sindh has 7.4 million out-of-school children, where disability serves as a significant barrier to education.
Mr. Tuaha Ahmed Faruqui, Secretary of DEPD, stated, "For too long, children with disabilities have been invisible in our education system. Today, we are making a promise to every family in Sindh that their children matter."
The initiative will also focus on workforce transformation, with AKU-IED delivering modular courses and certification pathways to over 2,000 educators. The Bachelor of Education degree will include a specialization in inclusive education, supported by monthly stipends.
In addition to training, the collaboration will develop a province-wide research and advocacy agenda, including baseline assessments, implementation evaluations, and annual policy commissions to guide government decisions. Biennial SEN conferences and policy seminars will bring together experts and advocates, while public education campaigns will offer multimedia resources, toolkits, and community initiatives to promote disability inclusion.
Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, remarked, "This is not just an institutional milestone. It is a commitment to every child in Sindh who has been waiting for an education system that sees them, hears them, and empowers them."
The Sindh Government will provide grant funding for the initiative, while AKU-IED will contribute expertise and resources. The SEN Unit aims to develop a strategic roadmap to ensure long-term impact beyond the five-year term.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of Aga Khan University, stated, "The true measure of an education system is whether it reaches those who have historically been left furthest behind. By preparing teachers and schools to educate children with special needs, this partnership will help to ensure that all our children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential."
The partnership envisions a future in Sindh where every child, regardless of ability, finds a sense of belonging and empowerment in their classroom.