Inclusive Education partnership in Sindh aims to transform schooling for children with disabilities
A five-year collaboration between the Sindh Government and AKU-IED will establish a Special Educational Needs Unit, train more than 2,000 educators, and expand access to inclusive education across the province.
Officials sign the Sindh Government and AKU-IED partnership for inclusive education in Karachi.
Pakistan has taken a significant step towards strengthening educational opportunities for children with disabilities after the Sindh Government approved a five-year partnership with the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED). The agreement, signed at the Chief Minister House in Karachi, seeks to build a more accessible education system by improving teacher training, research, and specialised support for students with additional learning needs.
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Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who witnessed the signing ceremony, described the agreement as more than a formal partnership. He said the initiative reflects the province’s commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities receive equal opportunities to achieve their potential.
After years of limited access to specialised educational services, Inclusive Education now stands at the centre of the initiative. AKU-IED will establish an Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit featuring sensory rooms, therapy facilities, and dedicated resource centres. The institute will also use the centre to drive research, innovation, and professional development.
Teacher Training to Reach Thousands
The programme will train more than 2,000 teachers, school leaders, and education professionals over the next five years. These educators will help improve learning opportunities for an estimated 500,000 schoolchildren across Sindh.
According to UNICEF, nearly 96% of children with disabilities in Pakistan remain out of school. Sindh accounts for a significant share of this challenge, with around 7.4 million children currently out of school. Poverty, gender inequality, and poor accessibility continue to prevent many children with disabilities from receiving quality education.
Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Tuaha Ahmed Faruqui, said the partnership sends a strong message to families across Sindh that every child deserves access to education.
Research and Policy to Drive Long-Term Change
The collaboration extends beyond teacher development. AKU-IED will conduct baseline assessments, measure programme outcomes, and organise annual policy commissions to support evidence-based government decisions. The partners will also hold biennial SEN conferences, policy seminars, public awareness campaigns, and community outreach programmes to strengthen disability inclusion.
Professor Farid Panjwani, Dean of AKU-IED, said the initiative demonstrates a commitment to building an education system where every child feels recognised, supported, and empowered.
The Government of Sindh will provide funding for the programme, while AKU-IED will contribute its academic expertise and institutional resources. The SEN Unit will also prepare a long-term strategic roadmap to ensure the initiative continues delivering results beyond the five-year partnership.
Vision for Inclusive Schools
Aga Khan University President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin said the success of any education system depends on its ability to reach children who have historically remained excluded. He added that preparing teachers and schools to educate children with special needs will help every child realise their full potential.
The partnership aims to create a future where every child in Sindh, regardless of ability, learns in a classroom that offers equal opportunities, belonging, and support.
