In a heart-warming initiative, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed 22 children from the Karachi Down Syndrome Programme (KDSP) to the CM House. Organised on Shah’s invitation, the visit aimed to inspire the children, and offer them a unique and memorable experience.
Accompanied by KDSP Co-founder and CEO Tabish Shehzad, the children were greeted warmly by Shah. “The CM House is over 100 years old,” he shared with the children during the tour of the building.
He engaged the children with light-hearted conversations, and asked: “Who among you wants to become the chief minister?” Most children eagerly raised their hands, expressing their dreams, but Dua stood out by confidently, stating her desire to become the CM.
Honouring their aspirations, Shah invited each child to sit in his chair one by one while he sat beside them. “If you become the CM, we will become your assistants,” he said, bringing smiles to the children’s faces. One child enthusiastically exclaimed: “I have become the CM.” Another used Shah’s desk phone to call her father. The children also visited the CM House gallery, where portraits of previous chief ministers are displayed.
The experience was further enriched when Dua was invited to preside over a formal meeting in the conference hall as the CM of the day. The session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.
The CM’s Principal Secretary Agha Wasif briefed Dua about the province’s population, education and governance. Taking her role seriously, Dua instructed her cabinet of children to keep Pakistan clean.
Her instructions were met with support from Shah, who told her: “Miss Dua CM, we will follow your instructions to keep every city and the country clean.” When Angela asked Shah about ways to ensure the country’s progress, he emphasised the importance of democracy: “The country will progress through democracy.” The day concluded with the children posing for photographs in the CM’s chair, and receiving gifts from Shah.
As the children bid farewell, Shah expressed his gratitude for their visit, telling them that their joyful laughter would echo in the halls of the CM House for years to come. The visit was a touching reminder of the need to create inclusive opportunities and inspire children with special needs to dream big.
Published in News Daily on 6 December 2024.