Buildings in Pakistan’s financial capital Karachi were illuminated in blue on Saturday evening as part of a global campaign to create awareness for autism spectrum disorder.
A statement issued on Saturday said that Special Children Educational Institute Principal Saima Haq described the ‘light it up blue’ as a unique global initiative to promote better understanding of autism and living with disabilities.
“Any kind of mental or physical disability is taboo in Pakistan. I hope that families with children who are differently abled can feel comfortable entering public spaces. The malls and roads are declaring themselves inclusive. Now, society must do the same,” she said.
Among the buildings and landmarks to be illuminated in blue include the iconic HBL Plaza, Faysal Bank Dolmen City Mall, Centre Point, Ocean Mall, Teen Talwar and many others.
New World Concepts CEO Yasmin Hyder appreciated SCEI’s efforts in spearheading this campaign in Pakistan and engaging the corporate sector in helping create awareness of autism spectrum disorder. This is the first year that multiple monuments across Karachi will be marking World Autism Day. Last year the Hindu Gymkhana was lit in blue when the special children educational institute had conducted an awareness event with NAPA.