Government has prepared the country's first national program for children with autism and mental retardation.

Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel, in a statement today (Saturday), said his ministry will extend cooperation for the establishment of Autism and Mental Disorder centres in the four provinces, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

He said a state of the art center will be established in Islamabad for children suffering from Autism which will provide both education and treatment to them.

Abdul Qadir Baloch said legislation will also be carried out in the parliament for the protection of children with Autism and mental disorder. He said a survey will be carried out in the country to collect the data of such children.

The Minister for National Health Services said the UNICEF is ready to cooperate with the government on this matter.

Abdul Qadir Patel said practical and effective measures are being taken to bring improvement in the health sector.