Autistic children must be brought into mainstream: LCCI

LAHORE, Apr 02 (APP):Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) organized an awareness seminar on the occasion of World Autism Day to highlight the challenges faced by children with autism, promote social awareness, and emphasize the need for joint efforts by both the public and private sectors.
The seminar was attended by business leaders, educationists, social figures, and participants from various walks of life, particularly LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, renowned scholar Orya Maqbool Jan and LCCI Executive Committee Members.
Speakers at the seminar included Usman Saigol, Dr. Aamna Arif, Dr. Zahida Parveen, Vice President Rehman Foundation Rao Akram Salam Khan, and Engineer Khawaja Waheed, Founder of Fikr-e-Iqbal.
In his address, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said that creating awareness about autism is an important step toward social welfare, as a balanced and civilized society is one that cares for its vulnerable and special individuals. He stated that Allah has created balance in the universe, and society must also maintain balance by ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals.
He added that those who are blessed with greater resources also carry greater responsibility to support weaker segments of society. He noted that globally one out of every hundred children is affected by autism, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. Considering Pakistan’s large population, autism is becoming a significant social challenge that requires immediate attention.
Saigol emphasized that due to limited government resources, the private sector must play an active role. He described Corporate Social Responsibility as an effective tool for supporting underprivileged groups and said that businesses can help integrate autistic children into the mainstream by creating employment opportunities. He stressed that making special children economically independent is the need of the hour.
Renowned scholar Orya Maqbool Jan said that solutions to social problems lie in a collective sense of responsibility. He emphasized that a strong family system plays a vital role in addressing social and mental health issues, and family support is essential for the development of special children. He added that mental health challenges are not the responsibility of individuals alone but of society as a whole.
Professor Dr. Aamna Arif spoke about the education and training of children with autism, stating that parents play the most important role in their improvement and development. She said that it is impossible to effectively address autism-related challenges without empowering parents, highlighting the need for awareness, training, and support programs.
Other speakers also stressed the importance of increasing awareness about autism, early diagnosis, special education, and social acceptance. Participants agreed that the government, private sector, educational institutions, and social organizations must work together to ensure a better and dignified future for individuals affected by autism.
At the conclusion of the seminar, it was reaffirmed that the Lahore Chamber will continue organizing such awareness initiatives as part of its social responsibility to help special individuals become active and respected members of society.