Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced the launch of the “Himmat Card,” the reconstruction of special education centres across the province, the establishment of a “Centre of Excellence for Special Students” in every district, and the provision of transport to each Special Education Centre.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the “School Meal Program” for Special Education Students and the newly completed Centres of Excellence, the chief minister said the government is not merely supporting people with disabilities but actively investing in them to help them become productive citizens.
She added that under the “School Meal Program,” 45,000 children in 313 institutions receive nutritious food daily. She also personally tested the milk and biscuits provided under the program to ensure their quality.
Maryam Nawaz said the newly launched “Himmat Card” aims to reassure parents that the government stands with them. So far, authorities have screened 40,000 children and provided treatment to 30,000, helping hundreds regain their hearing. The government is also distributing assistive devices, including wheelchairs and hearing aids.
She called the construction of Punjab’s first government-run school for autistic children a blessing and praised the teachers and special heroes for their dedication.
The Chief Minister also lauded Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Special Education, Sania Ashiq, and her team for accelerating reforms in special education. She recalled that after taking oath, she pledged to establish special education centres across Punjab—a promise Sania Ashiq largely fulfilled in just 18 months.
Maryam Nawaz added that authorities have already completed Centres of Excellence in 28 districts and are constructing the remaining centres, while improving 313 institutions for special persons across the province.
She described the Centre of Excellence in Lahore as a state-of-the-art and historic project and noted that thousands of children are already receiving education in Centres of Excellence in Layyah, Bhakkar, and other parts of north, central, and south Punjab.
