Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, just opened Province’s first Autism Center in Lahore

Not long ago, the place was just empty land. Now it’s a dedicated, modern space for autistic children and their families—a real turning point for healthcare and education in the region.

This isn’t just another government project. It’s a major leap toward supporting kids with special needs and the people who care for them.

A Center That Actually Puts Kids First

The Maryam Nawaz Autism Center brings everything under one roof. No more families running from one office to another for different services. Here, kids get speech therapy in soundproof rooms so they can really focus. There’s space for music and art, which lets them express themselves, and occupational therapy units to help build everyday skills. The center even has textured floors and sensory training zones—little details, but they make a huge difference for kids who process the world differently.

And instead of keeping kids cooped up indoors, there’s an open-air gym. It’s not just about exercise; it’s about giving them room to move, play, and learn in a way that feels natural and fun.

Families Get Real Support, Too

Autism doesn’t affect just one person. It shapes the lives of entire families. That’s why the center isn’t only about therapy for kids. The government set up training sessions for parents, giving them the tools and confidence to help their children at home.

Special educators are getting serious training, too. It’s not just about what happens at the center—Maryam Nawaz wants to make sure schools across Punjab have teachers who understand autism and can really make a difference.

During the opening, Maryam Nawaz talked about her own family’s experience with autism. She wasn’t just ticking a box—her words hit home for a lot of parents who usually feel ignored or misunderstood.

Making It Easier to Get There

For many families, just getting to therapy is a daily struggle. Maryam Nawaz announced that 70 special buses will serve cities all over Punjab, designed for the needs of autistic children. Now, more families can actually show up, week after week, and give their kids a real shot at progress.

This isn’t just about transportation—it’s about knocking down the barriers that keep kids from getting help.

Pushing for Real Inclusion

The Maryam Nawaz Autism Center isn’t just a fancy building. It’s a big statement that every child deserves a shot, no matter their challenges. Maryam Nawaz made it clear: it’s the government’s job to make sure everyone, especially the most vulnerable, gets to live with dignity and hope.

By putting real money and effort into this project, Punjab’s government is finally recognizing neurodiversity and making support for autistic children a permanent part of the landscape.

A Real Promise, Not Just Words

This center isn’t just a ribbon-cutting event. In just one year, they turned an empty lot into a place that offers hope, help, and a sense of belonging for countless families. It’s proof that when leaders focus on people who often get left out, real change can happen.

For families across Punjab, the Maryam Nawaz Autism Center is more than just a building—it’s a lifeline. It says, loud and clear, that every child matters.

With this step, Punjab’s setting the bar higher for what special education and healthcare can look like, not just here, but across the country.

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