Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the province’s first government-run School and Resource Center for Autism in Lahore on Thursday.
She called the initiative “no less than a miracle” and vowed that the state will continue supporting special children like a mother. The center provides modern education, therapy, and rehabilitation facilities for autistic children.
Addressing the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said the state has a responsibility to assist citizens during difficult times. She highlighted that the center was established within just one year and described it as the fulfillment of a long-standing promise. The CM emphasized that therapy significantly improves the lives of autistic children and praised parents for their courage and resilience.
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The Maryam Nawaz School and Resource Center offers comprehensive services including occupational, art, music, and speech therapy, alongside pre-vocational training and computer education. The CM also noted that 70 buses have been arranged to ensure accessibility across Punjab.
Expert trainers, including foreign specialists, are providing professional guidance, and parents are being trained to support their children effectively.
The inauguration ceremony included emotional moments as parents shared struggles faced due to lack of resources. Komal, mother of an autistic child, said her son had been confined for 13 years and called the center a “ray of hope.” Families expressed gratitude to Maryam Nawaz, hailing her as “a mother of the state” for supporting special children and making therapy accessible.
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During her visit, the CM toured classrooms and therapy rooms, including music, art, and sand therapy areas, and interacted warmly with students. Children performed piano and harmonium pieces, presented a special song, and shared affectionate moments. Maryam Nawaz pledged continued support for special children, reiterating that the province’s development and public service journey will continue.