Karachi, August 10, 2026: 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.

Established in 2018, C-ARTS is the first autism centre in Pakistan to provide diagnosis, rehabilitation, education, skills training and employment support for children with autism under one roof. It has four centres in Karachi and centres in Hyderabad, Gambat, Sukkur, Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad, providing free services, transport and stipends. The centre also offers parent training programmes and has a professional training centre.

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

The First Lady was further 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, with the aim of moving towards a paper-free system and maintaining 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.

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