PA resolution calls for setting up special centres for autistic people

The Provincial Assembly of Sindh on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution calling upon the government to establish state-of-the-art centres for the treatment, assistance and rehabilitation of children and other people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The private resolution was moved in the PA by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Fauzia Hameed.

Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho acknowledged that the private resolution pertained to an important issue. She said its passage by the House would please the people and families dealing with ASD.

Dr Azra said children with autism are given special training at the special rehabilitation and treatment facilities already operating in the province. She said vocational training can also be given to such children.

She expressed the government’s resolve to build a rehabilitation centre for children with autism in every district of the province. She said that one such rehabilitation facility is running adjacent to Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi.

Separately, the PA rejected through a majority vote a private resolution of MQM-P legislator Rashid Khan against alleged corruption and irregularities in the affairs of the Sindh Public Service Commission. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said that moving the resolution was unwarranted because much discussion has already been held over the issue and certain corrective measures are being adopted in accordance with the court’s directions.

The House also rejected through a majority vote a private resolution calling upon the government to form a special commission to improve the educational standards. Lanjar said the Sindh Education Policy Commission already exists, so there is no need to constitute a new commission for the purpose. He suggested that if need be, the PA’s representatives can sit on the existing commission.