Down syndrome child becomes ‘CM Sindh for a day’

KARACHI: In a heartening initiative, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah welcomed 22 children from the Karachi Down Syndrome Programme (KDSP) to the Chief Minister’s House on Thursday.

The Sindh Chief Minister also invited a girl named Dua, affected with Down syndrome, to preside over a formal meeting in the conference hall as the “Chief Minister of the Day”.

The visit, organised on the Chief Minister’s invitation, aimed to inspire the children and offer them a unique, memorable experience, the Sindh government spokesperson said in a press statement.

During the visit, Murad Ali Shah toured the Chief Minister’s House building to the special children. He told them, “CM House is over 100 years old.” The children also visited the CM House gallery, where portraits of previous Chief Ministers are displayed.

During the visit, Murad Ali Shah engaged the children in lighthearted conversations and asked, “Who among you wants to become a CM?” Most children eagerly raised their hands, expressing their dreams. However,  Dua stood out by confidently stating her desire to become the Chief Minister.

Honouring their aspirations, CM Shah invited each child to sit in his chair one by one, while he sat beside them.

As Dua presided over the meeting, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif briefed her about Sindh’s population, education, and governance.

Taking her role seriously, Dua instructed her cabinet [fellow children] to “keep Pakistan clean.” Her instructions were met with support from the Chief Minister, who assured her, “Miss Dua CM, we will follow your instructions to keep every city and the country clean.”

The day concluded with the children posing for photographs in the CM’s chair and receiving gifts from the Chief Minister. As the children bid farewell, Murad Ali Shah expressed his gratitude for their visit, ensuring that their joyful laughter would echo in the halls of the CM House for years to come.