Children with Down syndrome become chief ministers for a day

In a heart-warming initiative, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed 22 children from the Karachi Down Syndrome Programme (KDSP) to the CM House. Organised on Shah’s invitation, the visit aimed to inspire the children, and offer them a unique and memorable experience.

Accompanied by KDSP Co-founder and CEO Tabish Shehzad, the children were greeted warmly by Shah. “The CM House is over 100 years old,” he shared with the children during the tour of the building.

He engaged the children with light-hearted conversations, and asked: “Who among you wants to become the chief minister?” Most children eagerly raised their hands, expressing their dreams, but Dua stood out by confidently, stating her desire to become the CM.

Honouring their aspirations, Shah invited each child to sit in his chair one by one while he sat beside them. “If you become the CM, we will become your assistants,” he said, bringing smiles to the children’s faces. One child enthusiastically exclaimed: “I have become the CM.” Another used Shah’s desk phone to call her father. The children also visited the CM House gallery, where portraits of previous chief ministers are displayed.

The experience was further enriched when Dua was invited to preside over a formal meeting in the conference hall as the CM of the day. The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.

The CM’s Principal Secretary Agha Wasif briefed Dua about the province’s population, education and governance. Taking her role seriously, Dua instructed her cabinet of children to keep Pakistan clean.

Her instructions were met with support from Shah, who told her: “Miss Dua CM, we will follow your instructions to keep every city and the country clean.” When Angela asked Shah about ways to ensure the country’s progress, he emphasised the importance of democracy: “The country will progress through democracy.” The day concluded with the children posing for photographs in the CM’s chair, and receiving gifts from Shah.

As the children bid farewell, Shah expressed his gratitude for their visit, telling them that their joyful laughter would echo in the halls of the CM House for years to come. The visit was a touching reminder of the need to create inclusive opportunities and inspire children with special needs to dream big.

Youth uplift centre

Shah also inaugurated Prof Hashmat Lodi Youth Development Centre at the Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) that is dedicated to empowering the youth with opportunities for education, employment and personal development.

The CM lauded the SMIU’s rich legacy as the alma mater of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other national luminaries. He commended the university’s 140-year-long commitment to excellence in education, and its role in shaping visionary leaders, freedom fighters and scholars.

Shah paid tribute to the late Prof Lodi, highlighting his lifelong dedication to education, his contributions to academic excellence, and his achievements as a pioneering quizmaster, athlete and media personality. “Prof Lodi’s legacy will inspire generations to come, and this youth development centre stands as a testament to his vision and values.”

Commitment to inclusivity

The CM also visited the Clifton Park to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. The event featured an inspiring talent show and exhibition, showcasing the creativity and potential of differently-abled individuals.

Shah emphasised his government’s commitment to creating an inclusive society. “This day serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and contributions of persons with disabilities, while reaffirming our shared responsibility to foster a society where everyone can thrive with dignity and equality.”

He highlighted his government’s initiatives to empower persons with disabilities, including vocational training programmes tailored to individual abilities and interests; accessibility enhancements in public spaces, transportation and educational institutions; public awareness campaigns to combat stigma and discrimination; and collaborations with NGOs and organisations dedicated to disability advocacy and support.