KARACHI — Renowned autism specialist Irum Rizwan was awarded the prestigious Tamgha-i-Imtiaz on Wednesday, recognizing her exceptional services and commitment to reshaping the landscape of autism care in Pakistan.
The honor was conferred by Governor Sindh Syed Nehal Hashmi on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari during a ceremony held at the Governor House.
A Legacy of Transformation in Autism Care
Ms. Rizwan is recognized as a trailblazer in her field, currently overseeing the first residential facility for autism in Pakistan. Her work has transformed the lives of over 3,000 individuals with autism, a feat supported by her academic background, which includes a postgraduate degree from the University of Birmingham in the UK and world-class training from both the UK and the US.
Her impact on the country’s healthcare infrastructure began in 2013, when she established a state-of-the-art Autism department at Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi. This department marked the first of its kind within any teaching hospital in Pakistan.
The Evolution of C-ARTS
In 2018, the Government of Sindh entrusted Ms. Rizwan with the development of the Center for Autism and Rehabilitation Training Sindh (C-ARTS). While it began as a single center in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, it has since evolved into a premier network of facilities. Under her leadership, state-of-the-art centers were established in several locations:
- Korangi (2022): A specialized facility for adults with autism.
- Orangi Town (2023): Expansion of care services.
- Sukkur, Gambat and Hyderabad (2024): Further broadening the reach of the network.
C-ARTS currently stands as the first and only government-run autism network in Pakistan. The organization provides free-of-cost, world-class services that encompass diagnosis, rehabilitation, education, skill training, and employment opportunities.
Promoting Independence and Inclusion
Beyond clinical care, Ms. Rizwan has spearheaded initiatives aimed at social integration and empowerment. A notable achievement is the establishment of Pakistan’s first café managed by individuals with autism, representing a revolutionary step toward independence for those they serve.
Significance and Future Outlook
The awarding of the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz underscores the national importance of inclusive care and the successful implementation of a government-run rehabilitation model. By providing free services and creating employment pathways, the work of Ms. Rizwan and C-ARTS has set a gold standard for rehabilitation in the region.
Looking forward, the success of this network may lead to further expansions of government-supported inclusive care. The model of integrating vocational training with clinical rehabilitation could potentially be scaled to other regions or adapted for other developmental disabilities to further enhance independence for marginalized populations.