Punjab Makes History: Autism School and Resource Centre Act, 2025
Unanimously Passed In a defining moment for inclusive education and neurodevelopmental care in Pakistan, the
Provincial Assembly of the Punjab has passed the Punjab Autism School and Resource
Centre Act, 2025 (Bill No. 82 of 2025) during its 28th legislative session, heralding a new era
of compassion, innovation, and institutional support for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
This landmark legislation, first of its kind in the country, envisions the creation of a state-of-
the-art, purpose-built Autism School and Resource Centre in Lahore. The Centre will serve as
a beacon of excellence—providing individualized education, therapeutic services, and family
support mechanisms for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), while simultaneously
promoting research, professional training, and public awareness across Punjab.
At the helm of this pioneering initiative is a high-powered Board of Governors, chaired by the
Chief Minister of Punjab. The Board brings together an exceptional consortium of
stakeholders, including provincial Secretaries of key departments such as Special Education,
Health, Finance, and Education, Subject-matter experts in autism, parents of autistic children,
ensuring the authentic voice of experience and empathy, academicians and public service
leaders in the field of neurodiversity. This multi-sectoral and inclusive structure ensures
participatory governance, transparency, and strategic direction rooted in the real needs of the
community.
The Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre is designed to offer a holistic ecosystem that
nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and social development of children with autism. Key
facilities and functions include customized educational programs tailored to the learning
profiles of neurodiverse students, Speech therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy,
and psychological counseling, pre-service and in-service training of teachers and allied
professionals, research and curriculum development in collaboration with international experts,
support and coordination with autism units across Punjab’s schools and public awareness
campaigns to dismantle stigma and promote understanding.
The Centre will also act as a resource hub, facilitating technical assistance to other institutions
and forming partnerships with national and global bodies in the field of autism and special
education.
By passing this Act, the Government of Punjab has demonstrated a profound commitment to
equity, dignity, and inclusion. The legislation empowers the Board to create and manage posts
of educators and specialists, establish sub-campuses across the province, frame rules and
regulations to ensure transparency and accountability and manage and mobilize public and
private funds to sustain high-quality services.
This is not merely a law—it is a vision turned into institutional reality, reflecting the
Government’s resolve that “no child shall be left behind.”
The Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Act, 2025 sets a new benchmark in special
education and social welfare policy. It paves the way for an inclusive Punjab—where every
child, regardless of neurological difference, has the right to learn, grow, and flourish with
dignity.
