Real Life Stories Details – 2025
Today we have enough money to celebrate Matiullah’s birthday this year
For Naghma, a mother of three expecting her fourth child, the chance to celebrate her son Mattiullah’s birthday during Ramazan is a gift she never thought possible.
Thanks to the savings she’s made through MCHPC’s support, Naghma is now able to plan a small family gathering-something she never imagined she could afford, yet now it’s a chance to create precious moments of joy for her children.
Before discovering the Mother and Child Health Promotion Center, Naghma spent more than she could afford on private doctors and medicine for her children, always putting their health above all else.
“When my children fell sick, I couldn’t afford proper treatment even if I wanted to. Whatever money I had would be spent on medicines.”
When she learned about MCHPC near Saggian Bridge, she visited with the hope of free and effective medical support for her and her family. Now, thanks to the free healthcare and medication provided, the financial strain has lifted, and she can focus on what truly matters-her family’s well-being.
For Naghma, MCHPC has not just been a source of medical support, it has allowed her to cherish moments of joy with her children, bringing happiness into her home.
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.
Everyone around her knew what challenges her body would face during pregnancy and after delivery, except her. She was just a child. Over the months, we prepared Rozina through regular check-ups and support, ensuring a safe delivery for her and her child.
Her story is not unique; others like her come to us, each carrying the weight of decisions someone else makes for them. For them, we are the only hope between these decisions and the life afterwards.
She Thought She Was Helping
For many families in Pakistan, visiting a doctor for every illness isn’t always an option. The cost of treatment, travel, and missed work can be overwhelming. So, they often rely on medicines that previously worked for one family member to treat others with similar symptoms.
Fatima’s situation was much the same. She believed she was doing what was best for her baby. After all, the deworming syrup had healed her 8-year-old sister at the MCHPC center in Saggian. So, when her infant son Nisar showed similar signs, she gave him the same medicine. But Nisar’s small body couldn’t handle it; he soon developed severe diarrhoea and had to be rushed back to the center.
Fatima was shocked; she had no idea that what helped her sister could harm her baby.
Upon being asked, she said,
“مجھے نہیں پتہ تھا اس سے یہ بیمار ہو جائے گا، میں نے تو اسے وہی دوا دی جو اپنی چھوٹی بہن کو دی تھی۔”
This is the gap we’re up against, not just in treatment, but in trust, in knowledge, in simple conversations that never happen.
We counselled her patiently, explaining how serious the situation could become if such carelessness continues. Understanding the risks helped Fatima take the necessary steps to protect her youngest child and seek medical guidance in the future.
At PAHCHAAN, we don’t just treat, we educate, we listen, and we help parents make safer, informed choices for their children.
کیونکہ جب ماں باپ سمجھتے ہیں، تو بچے محفوظ رہتے ہیں۔
She Wanted Others To Know: Help Exists.
There are countless women like Masarat, each bearing their hardship and struggles, but what sets this Masarat apart is her relentless struggle, managing a household with five children, balancing survival on a thin thread.
Before the Mother and Child Health Promotion center opened, every time her children fell ill, she faced an impossible choice: spend her scarce money on medicine or on food to feed her family. The MCHPC became a lifeline when she learned it provides free medical care and medicine. When she first arrived, there was a desperation in her voice, shaped by years of stretching every rupee just to survive.
But within those clinic walls, for the first time in years, she felt seen, not as a burdened mother, but as a woman who mattered.
بس بی بی، گزارا ہی مشکل سے ہوتا ہے۔ جو تھوڑا بہت کماتی ہوں، وہ بھی بچوں کے پیٹ کے لیے پورا نہیں پڑتا۔ دوا کے پیسے کہاں سے لاؤں؟ بڑی مجبوری ہے، سمجھ نہیں آتا کیا کروں، کدھر جاؤں۔
Since that day, the center has been a source of comfort for her. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she brought all her children and said:
“میں چاہتی ہوں لوگ اس سینٹر کے بارے میں جانیں،”
and asked for her picture to be taken—so others like her would know help exists.
Now My Children Will Be Educated
“ہم غریب لوگ ہیں، ہم کیا کر سکتے ہیں؟” a sentence we hear often. Not out of helplessness, but shaped by years of limited access, unanswered questions, and mindsets passed down over generations.
Fozia was one of our regular patients — a mother of eight, living in a community where traditional beliefs often guide daily lives.
During the weekly visit, our community mobilizer went to Fozia’s house, where she saw that none of her kids went to school and none of them had ever been vaccinated. Fozia said:
“میرے شوہر اور سسر کو بچوں کی پڑھائی کا کوئی شوق نہیں، کہتے ہیں کیا کرے گا پڑھ کے؟ اور ہم ٹیکے ویکے بھی نہیں لگواتے، پتہ نہیں کیا ہوتا ہے ان میں، سنا ہے اُن سے بچے بیمار ہو جاتے ہیں۔”
Her words were concerning, but not uncommon.
The parents were asked to visit the center by our mobilizer, where they were gently counselled about the importance of early vaccination and basic education. We addressed their doubts and concerns one by one, clearing common misconceptions.
Over time, their perspective began to shift.
The younger children received their vaccines. And when the new academic session began, they were enrolled in school.
We invited Fozia to our center along with her children and took this picture to capture the happiness of the mother and the excitement of the children, visible all over their faces.
Because when mindsets shift, everything can change.
رہنمائی دی جائے تو سوچ بدلتی ہے, اور سوچ بدلے، تو سب کچھ بدل سکتا ہے۔
At PAHCHAAN, we don’t just provide healthcare, we listen, we guide, and we work with families to ensure their children receive the care, protection, and opportunities they deserve.
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. It was during this time that she found her way to our center, battling aging, severe pain, and the need for urgent eye surgery. Thanks to the constant support of our donors, we were able to provide her with the care, medicine, and dignity she deserved.
“Because of you, no one stands alone. Thank you for helping us build a better tomorrow.”
A FATHER’S STRUGGLE FOR CLEAN WATER AND HEALTHCARE FOR HIS FAMILY
For years, the people of Saggian have battled diseases caused by contaminated water, yet they had no other choice but to consume it. Children fell ill, families suffered, and the cycle of sickness never seemed to end. Muhammad Daud is also a part of this community who was waiting for an opportunity that could take them out of this helplessness.
اگر یہ پانی بوتل میں رکھیں تو سبز ہو جاتا ہے۔ فلٹر شدہ پانی استعمال کرنے کے بعد بیماریوں کی تعداد اور بچوں کی اموات کی شرح کم ہو گئی ہے۔”
Just like others, he and his family had no option but to rely on polluted water—water that turned green if left standing, carried a foul odour, and was unfit for drinking or cooking. Living in a slum with his wife and five children, he watched helplessly as his little ones suffered from frequent stomach pain. The endless suffering made him pray for change.
The burden on families lessened, and so dirty water became a thing of the past in many households with the installation of a filtration plant. Daud was one of the first to benefit.
The presence of MCHPC has also made a difference. Clean water and accessible healthcare have given his family a much-needed sense of security, something they had long lived without.
Breathing should not be a luxury, let’s make it a right for all.
In Changa Manga, Nabila works in the fields while silently battling asthma. Her husband, lost to addiction, offers no support.
With no money to spend on her treatment, she kept bearing it. One season after another.
میرے شوہر صرف نام کے ہیں، میری مدد کرنے والا کوئی نہیں۔
For years, she endured without help—until the Mother-Child Health Protection center stepped in, offering free inhalers and care she could never afford.
She’s still fighting—but now, she can finally breathe.
We want you to meet Faisal and his family.
Unlike many men in his community who hesitate to bring their wives or children to health centers due to the cultural pressure, he didn’t hesitate. The day he heard that a Mother and Child Health center had opened in his area, he brought his 10-month-old daughter Hiba and his wife for a check-up.
During the routine check-up, our Lady Health Visitor noticed that little Hiba’s legs were weak—signs of malnutrition. Her mother, too, showed signs of severe weakness. Life had been tough on them, and their health quietly reflected that burden.
We gave them supplements, created a nutrition plan, and asked them to return for regular follow-ups.
And they did, without missing a visit.
Today, Hiba is recovering. Her legs are growing stronger, her smile wider. Her mother is regaining strength, too. Together, they’ve found rhythm, stability, and care—right here at the center.
Faisal, Hiba’s father, shared:
“میں بہت شکر گزار ہوں کہ اب ہمارے پاس ایک سینٹر ہے، جہاں میں اپنی بیوی اور بچوں کو لا سکتا ہوں۔”
In a world where silence and hesitation too often win, Faisal chose action. He chose love. And his choice made all the difference.
FROM DOUBT TO TRUST: MOHAMMAD UMAR’S STORY OF CHANGE
In a community where health awareness is still growing, Mohammad Umar’s journey reflects a significant shift. Initially, he was doubtful about MCHPC Saggian and discouraged his family from seeking care there. Umar runs a shop near the center, and he often sees others benefitting from the help they received.
When his wife became pregnant the third time and faced health challenges, he decided to send her to the center for treatment. Over time, as he witnessed the attention and support his family received, his trust in the center grew. Today, not only does he rely on the center for Maternal and Child Care, but actively encourages others in the community to attend the awareness sessions.
پہلے میں اس سنٹر کے بارے میں شک میں تھا۔ سب کچھ اور اپنے خاندان کو یہاں لانے سے ہچکچاتا۔ لیکن جب سب نے لوگوں کو یہاں کی خدمات سے فائدہ اٹھاتے دیکھا، تو میں نے بھی آنے کی ہمت کی۔ اب میں اس سنٹر پر اعتبار کرتا ہوں اور دوسروں کو بھی یہاں آنے کی ترغیب دیتا ہوں۔”
The story emphasises the power of trust in accessible healthcare services and how one person’s experience can inspire others in the community to seek better care.
You Can’t Save Everyone. But You Can Try.
In 2023, our hearts were broken by the story of baby Iqra, a six-month-old girl battling pneumonia and a weak heart. Her condition was critical, and her family was facing severe financial hardship. We stepped in to support them in every way we could, holding onto hope for her recovery.
After a few weeks, we received the devastating news that little Iqra couldn’t bear the pneumonia attack and died in her mother’s arms.
اقرا اب ہمارے ساتھ نہیں، لیکن آج بھی ایسے بہت سے بچے ہمارے منتظر ہیں۔
Iqra’s story stayed with us. It reminded us why our work matters and why we must continue, for every child like her, and for every family that doesn’t have to face these battles alone.
We still receive heartbreaking cases like Iqra’s every day. Some stories end in grief, others in hope, but all of them deserve our attention and support.
It’s not about perfect parenting. It’s about never giving up.
It’s Always the Mother, They Say – But That Day, a Father Fought Alone
We’re used to seeing mothers in hospitals — rushing through corridors, staying up all night by their child’s side, asking the doctors a hundred questions. And while fathers do show up, it’s rare to see one carrying the entire weight on his own — no mother in sight, just him and his child.
But that’s exactly what we saw with little Umaima.
She was brought to us unconscious. Her blood sugar had shot up dangerously. The medical team said it was a severe reaction from a missed insulin dose — something called diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that happens when the body doesn’t get enough insulin.
Our Child Protection Officers stepped in to make sure there wasn’t a case of neglect. But what we found was something else entirely.
We found a father trying, trying with his whole heart.
He told us what happened. The insulin hadn’t been skipped. It had gone bad because of the heat. He didn’t know it needed to be kept cool.
He sat with us, carefully listening to how to store insulin, spot warning signs, and care for Umaima’s health and schooling. Before leaving, he bought a small travel cooler, holding it in his hands, he said,
“This won’t happen again.”
This story is for fathers who don’t leave when things get hard. Who doesn’t disappear? Who stay.
At PAHCHAAN, we’re here for every parent, father, or mother, trying to build a safer, healthier future for their child. All they need is support. We’re here to give it.
کھیتی باڑی، چھانگا مانگا اور دوائی کی ضرورت
In a place like Changa Manga, life moves with the rhythm of nature. People rise with the sun, work in the fields, and rely on their hard-earned money..
“جو روز کماتے ہیں، اُس سے بس اُسی دن کا خرچ چلتا ہے۔“
Small illnesses don’t concern them, life goes on.
Musarat felt the same. For four years, hypertension and diabetes were part of her routine, something she never paid much attention to. Why? Because there was no nearby facility where she could get free medicine in the morning, and the hospital was too far to visit daily.
“ہم کھیتی باڑی والے لوگ ہیں، علاج کے لیے پیسے کہاں سے لائیں؟ اور اگر مجبوری میں ہسپتال جانا پڑے تو پورے دن کی کمائی ضائع ہو جاتی ہے۔”
When the center opened in Changa Manga, her husband brought Musarat here without a second thought. When she arrived, her sugar levels were dangerously high. We quickly referred her to the nearest hospital, where doctors gave her the treatment she needed to stabilize her blood pressure and blood sugar without delay. Now she is much better and has been coming to our center regularly for her medications, something she never imagined possible.
اب مسرت باقاعدگی سے دوا لیتی ہے اور کھیتوں میں کام بھی ویسے ہی جاری رکھے ہوئے ہے۔
Though we don’t treat complications or emergencies, we are their first stop for help, a place they can turn to without worrying about money. We help them understand what can happen if their condition worsens, and we provide regular checkups, basic health needs, and any relief or guidance they require.
Why Did They Pick Up Sweets Without Asking?
They were eight children running, playing, and laughing through the dusty streets. Life didn’t offer them much. But that day, it offered sweets (میٹھای) left behind in an empty rickshaw.
Three children died, and five barely survived after eating sweets meant for dogs.
The Sweets had poison in them left for the stray dogs. It’s a tragedy. But tragedies like this will never stop unless our society wakes up and understands the most basic principles we’ve all been taught, and long forgotten.
Why did the children eat them without asking? Why didn’t something stop them, a thought, a voice, a teaching?
This story is not about consoling parents who lost their children. It’s not about the effort that went into saving the five others.
The truth is: this is not the first time.
We’ve spent years watching children drink acid by mistake, break their bones due to falling from the roof or a bus. (story) lose their lives over carelessness
And while we continue to sit with parents and comfort them, we know these incidents aren’t just “accidents”; they were bound to happen. Because no one is teaching the basic child safety messages to the millions who are alive, but not truly living.
At PAHCHAAN, we’ve long been working to raise awareness and ensure children are safe at home, in schools, and across communities. We are so shocked and deeply moved, and we are here for the parents, like we always are, and we wish with all our hearts that this never happens again. But we also know the truth: it won’t stop. Today, it’s one incident. Tomorrow, it will be another.
With the support of our donors, we are doing our part, reaching out to those forgotten, those left behind. And still, we hope that something will change. That one day, prevention won’t come too late.