Our Impact
Real Life Stories
She Was Just a Child
Rozina, a resident of Saggiyan, was married at the age of 12 and got pregnant immediately after. While early marriages may be a norm in her community, it does not change the fact that she was still a child, and expecting a child at such a young age is far from normal. The emotional and physical toll of such a burden is unimaginable for a child to endure.
When Rozina came to one of our Lady Health Workers, the first thing our health worker said was, “We cannot undo what has already happened, but we will do everything to prevent it from getting worse.” We provided her with thorough check-ups and facilitated her referral to a government hospital for a safe delivery.
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A Home in Every Heart: The Spirit of Changa Manga
We often talk about the strength of communities, but meeting Hanifa in Changa Manga showed us their true meaning.
Hanifa’s story isn’t just about survival, it’s about the love and unity of a close-knit community. Now in her twilight years, Hanifa has endured unimaginable loss, losing her husband and all four of her children. Yet, she was never truly alone. Her community stood by her, offering open doors, shared meals, and constant support.
When she began working in the fields, the village helped her through every struggle.
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Our Biggest Program
Mother and Child Health Promotion Centers
Our Achievements
Our last 20 years have been exemplary, marked by a few recognitions we’re proud to share.
Pioneered the First Hospital Based Child Protection Unit in South Asia
Established at The Children’s Hospital, Lahore in 2009, setting a precedent for hospital-based child protection.
Expansion of CPUs Across Punjab
Successfully launched 12 Child Protection Units in 12 districts of Punjab between 2022–2024, with an ambitious plan to reach 19 districts by the end of 2025.
Policy Advocacy Leading to Systemic Change
Influenced the establishment of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) by the Government of Punjab to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and education for street and at-risk children.
Capacity Building in Healthcare
Trained approximately 2,000 healthcare professionals and paramedics in early detection and referral for child abuse cases across Punjab.
Grassroots Protection Networks
Formed Child Protection Committees at school, health facility, and community levels (SCPC, HCPC, CCPC) in 12 districts, strengthening local safety nets for children.
Support During National Emergencies
Delivered vital healthcare, social, and psychological services to families affected by floods and the COVID-19 pandemic
Testimonials
Over the past two decades, PAHCHAAN has built strong partnerships across the child protection landscape — locally, nationally, and internationally. Here’s what some of our collaborators and advocates have to say about our work.
I commend PAHCHAAN for bringing critical attention to the issue of child exploitation and ensuring children’s access to justice. Their collaboration in convening this important symposium reflects their leadership and commitment to child protection in Pakistan. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside PAHCHAAN on such vital efforts.
Congratulations to PAHCHAAN on 20 years of bold work addressing child sexual exploitation in Pakistan. Your leadership — particularly around difficult and often taboo issues like the exploitation of boys — has opened space for critical, evidence-based conversations. The world has much to learn from your courage and commitment.
Guillaume Landry
Executive Director, ECPAT InternationalWe’ve worked alongside PAHCHAAN for many years in our shared mission to protect children. Today, as new threats like online abuse emerge, our collaboration and collective resolve are more important than ever. I pray we continue to meet these challenges and protect every child’s right to safety.
Dr. Manizeh Bano
Executive Director, SAHILSending PAHCHAAN many congratulations on your 20-year anniversary. The work you do serving children and families in their hardest moments is a true testament to your commitment to the rights of every child in Pakistan — especially the right to live free from violence. Looking forward to our continued collaboration.
Susan Bissell
Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF PakistanAs a data analyst with PAHCHAAN for the past couple of years, I’ve seen firsthand their dedication to evidence-based practice. They are one of the few organizations in Pakistan consistently using data to inform child protection strategies — ensuring interventions are measurable, meaningful, and impactful.
Dr. Adil Akhtar
Consultant Paediatrician, Shaukat Khanum Memorial HospitalWith PAHCHAAN, we established the first Child Protection Unit in northern Punjab. Together, we’ve trained healthcare workers, conducted community outreach, and launched impactful research — including Pakistan’s first child rights journal. Our collaboration continues to strengthen the protection of children across Rawalpindi and beyond.
Prof. Dr. Rai Muhammad Asghar
Dean of Paediatrics, Rawalpindi Medical UniversityAs a volunteer consultant with PAHCHAAN, I’ve witnessed their powerful impact through the Child Protection Unit at Children’s Hospital. Data shows that over 70% of abuse cases involve caregivers, often mothers—highlighting the urgent need for awareness. PAHCHAAN’s campaigns challenge harmful norms and promote positive parenting, reminding us all that protection must never turn into harm.
Dr. Wajiha Rizwan
President Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP), Associate Professor, Children’s HospitalOur collaboration with PAHCHAAN on the Khushhal Khandan program has brought much-needed attention to adolescent mental health and parenting among young brides. From research to awareness, PAHCHAAN has been a vital partner in strengthening community-based mental health services for families and future generations.
Professor Nazish Imran
Head, Dept. of Child & Family Psychiatry, King Edward Medical UniversityUNICEF has partnered with PAHCHAAN to strengthen the health sector’s response to child abuse. With eight Child Protection Units established across Punjab and ongoing capacity building for frontline professionals, PAHCHAAN is setting the standard. Their upcoming clinical handbook will be a vital tool in ensuring health workers are equipped to manage and protect vulnerable children.
