Lahore: Consultant of Special Education Department Punjab for Autism Schools Dr Asma Naheed has said that the education and training of special children are among the top priorities of the Punjab government. In an exclusive interview with Radio Pakistan’s Correspondent Qasim Bukhari on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, she said that the Maryam Nawaz Autism School is a flagship initiative of the Punjab government, aimed at providing world-class education and therapeutic support to children with autism.

According to Radio Pakistan, Asma Naheed stated that the Maryam Nawaz Autism School will admit children between the ages of 3 and 16. Additionally, the Maryam Nawaz Autism School and Research Centre will provide education and therapeutic services to students up to the age of 22.

During the interview, she responded to a question regarding the impact of conflicts, disasters, and health emergencies on mental health. She highlighted that one in every five people in conflict-affected areas is estimated to suffer from a mental health condition. She further mentioned that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental disorders in Pakistan account for more than 4 percent of the total disease burden, with a higher impact on women.

Dr Asma Naheed also acknowledged the selfless services of psychologists working in flood-affected areas, who have been tirelessly supporting the mental well-being of the affected individuals. She emphasized that the Punjab government’s new initiatives in autism and mental health under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership reflect a transformative vision that integrates compassion, science, and inclusion to build a truly empathetic Punjab.