First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari on Monday inaugurated what she described as Pakistan’s first autism residential centre in Karachi, along with the country’s first comprehensive park for children with autism in Korangi.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Aseefa Bhutto said the Centre for Autism Rehabilitation and Training Sindh (C-ARTS) was the country’s first facility providing support ranging from diagnosis to employment.

She said children with autism were being provided free treatment, transport and scholarships through the programme.

The First Lady said C-ARTS centres had also been established in Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana, expanding autism-related services beyond Karachi.

She said the newly inaugurated residential centre would provide comprehensive care and long-term rehabilitation facilities.

Aseefa Bhutto said the C-ARTS registration portal had also been activated and a digital record of every registered child would be created.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also attended the inauguration ceremony.