CM Murad reaffirms commitment to rehabilitating drug-affected children on Independence Day

KARACHI, Aug 14 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Friday reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to rehabilitating children affected by drug addiction and psychological trauma, pledging to provide them with education, skills, and opportunities to become productive and respected members of society.

     The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing an Independence Day ceremony organised by the Aas Foundation at Haji Sakhiyo Goth, where he hoisted the national flag, cut the Independence Day cake, and joined children, women, persons with special needs, and recovering drug addicts in celebrating Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.

    Provincial Ministers Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Tariq Talpur, and Saleem Baloch accompanied the Chief Minister. He was received by Aas Foundation Chairman Abdul Rehman Allana, members of his family, and Dr Fauzia Sadiq.

The ceremony began with a flag-hoisting event and the national anthem, followed by special prayers for Pakistan’s progress, prosperity, and national unity. The event highlighted the values of patriotism, social inclusion, and service to humanity.

Addressing the gathering, CM Murad Ali Shah said that Pakistan came into existence 79 years ago through the vision and leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, adding that Sindh holds a unique place in the country’s history as the Sindh Assembly was the first legislature to pass a resolution supporting the creation of Pakistan.

The Chief Minister said he had personally met children undergoing rehabilitation and was deeply encouraged by their aspirations. “Some of these children want to become doctors, some engineers, and others wish to serve in the Pakistan Armed Forces,” he said.

He stressed that the government’s responsibility extends beyond treatment and rehabilitation. “Today, some of these children have been abandoned by their families, but we will rehabilitate them, educate them, and equip them to become useful and dignified members of society. Once they rebuild their lives, their families will proudly accept them again,” he said.

Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the true progress of Pakistan can only be achieved when every individual is given equal opportunities to succeed. He described the rehabilitation of people affected by drug addiction and psychological trauma as a national responsibility and assured that the Sindh Government would further strengthen its collaboration with rehabilitation centres and social welfare organisations.

“The education, training, and welfare of special children and individuals recovering from addiction remain among our top priorities. Rehabilitation must be accompanied by vocational training and employment opportunities so that people can reintegrate into society as productive citizens,” he said.

Earlier, CM Murad visited the Children’s Primary Unit and Children’s Halfway House, where he met children, women, persons with special needs, and individuals recovering from addiction and psychological trauma. He interacted warmly with the children, inquired about their well-being, and encouraged them in their educational and rehabilitation journeys.

The children briefed the Chief Minister on their activities and achievements, while foundation chairman Abul Rehman Allana informed him about treatment, rehabilitation, and educational programs being implemented at the facility.