In 2020, while the world was retreating into isolation due to COVID-19, a quiet revolution was beginning in Sujawal, Sindh. It started with the launch of the Center of Excellence for Disability Inclusion (CEDI)—a collaborative spark between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Government of Sindh, and NOWPDP.
A Journey of Deliberate Growth
The partnership has grown “deliberately, equitably, and without pause.” What began in Sujawal has expanded into a formidable network of 10 active centers covering every division in Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, and Tharparkar.
This isn’t just about brick and mortar; it’s about a journey of inclusion that has scaled from 10,000 lives to over 353,000 total lives impacted.
The Vision of Excellence
The Government of Sindh has proven that when a state chooses inclusion, the results are transformative. Under the vision of Honorable Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, the province has allocated Rs. 700 million for assistive devices, ensuring that mobility is a right, not a privilege.
“NOWPDP demonstrates how inclusive skills development creates real pathways to dignity and economic empowerment,” states CM Murad Ali Shah. “With a vision to complete Pakistan’s first fully inclusive district in Korangi by 2026, the foundation for a more equitable Karachi is actively being built.”
Comprehensive Services: The Pillars of Independence Through the support of DEPD, NOWPDP provides a holistic ecosystem of services designed to foster true independence:
Education for Children with Disabilities: Specialized and inclusive schooling to build early foundations.
Provision of Assistive Devices: Granting mobility and accessibility through wheelchairs, tricycles, and hearing aids.
Vocational Training: Market-driven skill development through state-of-the-art technical programs
Rehabilitation Services: Providing specialized Behavioral, Speech, and Physical therapy.
Entrepreneurship for Persons with Disabilities: Empowering individuals to launch and scale their own businesses.
Employment Opportunities: Connecting trained talent to the corporate sector and ensuring quota compliance.
Impact at a Glance
353,000+ lives impacted
10 Active centers across all divisions.
550 students with disabilities enrolled in 5 Model Special & Inclusive Education Schools
1 State-of-the-art Technical College in Korangi
The Road to 2030: An Inclusive University and Beyond
The DEPD-NOWPDP partnership isn’t slowing down. The “Way Forward” is even more ambitious, aiming to impact 500,000 lives by 2030. The next five years will see the establishment of a technical college for persons with disabilities, international research on disability, and Pakistan’s first Inclusive University.
By strengthening the implementation of quotas, inclusive education systems and driving license inclusivity, the Government of Sindh and NOWPDP are positioning the province as a globally recognized model for inclusive development.
This is more than a partnership; it is a blueprint for a future where every citizen, regardless of ability, has a seat at the table. It is a way forward to Bashamool Pakistan.
